Hoffenheim vs Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Hosts look to create breathing room
Hoffenheim
Saturday's hosts currently hold a four-point cushion over 16th-placed Heidenheim, who sit in the relegation playoff position and are nine points clear of second-to-last Holstein Kiel.
Hoffenheim manager Christian Ilzer will be pleased with his team's resilience after securing a well-earned point against Dortmund, thanks to Jacob Bruun Larsen's dramatic 90th-minute equaliser.
Despite this late heroics, scoring goals remains a challenge for Hoffenheim, as they have failed to find the net in five of their last eight matches.
Ilzer's side has struggled for consistency, drawing their last three matches following three consecutive losses. However, they have shown signs of improvement, losing just once in their last five Bundesliga outings and collecting six points during that span.
One bright spot has been their impressive home form at the PreZero Arena, where Hoffenheim have won four, drawn three, and lost only one of their last eight matches.
Team News
Hoffenheim will be missing defenders Pavel Kaderabek, Christopher Lenz, and Ozan Kabak, so Valentin Gendrey, Arthur Chaves, Stanley N'Soki, and Alexander Prass might be tasked with filling the defensive roles.
Anton Stach is guaranteed to start in a double pivot, and with midfielders Grischa Promel, Finn Becker, and Umut Tohumcu sidelined, Diadie Samassekou is expected to partner him in midfield.
With forwards Ihlas Bebou and Marius Bülter unavailable, Tom Bischof, Andrej Kramaric, and Jacob Bruun Larsen are likely to play behind striker Adam Hlozek.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Die Fohlen delivered a commanding performance against Holstein Kiel, registering 14 shots inside the penalty area, generating nearly 2.5 xG, and crafting four clear-cut chances while completely shutting down their opponents' ability to create any significant opportunities.
Head coach Gerardo Seoane lauded his team’s discipline and mental fortitude after the win. Speaking to reporters, he remarked, “We knew that Kiel would have phases of possession and that they are flexible in attack, but we were disciplined during these moments and had clarity without the ball. We also had a few good moments from counter-attacks.”
Gerardo Seoane's side has struggled to secure consecutive wins in the Bundesliga, with their last back-to-back victories coming in May 2022, a span of 81 matches. However, it is worth noting that Mönchengladbach have only suffered one defeat in their last eight league games, winning four of them.
With 23 goals scored and 19 conceded, Die Fohlen boast the joint-eighth-best attack and the joint-fourth-best defence in the league.
However, their away form remains concerning, as the team has won only two of their last 20 Bundesliga matches on the road, alongside 11 losses and seven draws.
Team News
Midfielder Florian Neuhaus is absent due to a hip injury, which could see Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl paired together in the middle.
Forwards Grant-Leon Ranos and Tomas Cvancara are doubtful but might feature, while Nathan N'Goumou is not expected back until early January. Striker Tim Kleindienst is likely to be supported by Franck Honorat, Alassane Pléa, and Robin Hack in attack.
At the back, regulars Ko Itakura and Nico Elvedi are almost certain to start as centre-backs in front of goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas.
