Hoffenheim vs. Bayer Leverkusen – News and Probable Lineups

In an effort to rejuvenate their Bundesliga season, Hoffenheim will host a high-flying Bayer Leverkusen at SNP Arena this Sunday.

Die Kraichgauer are aiming to secure consecutive league victories for the first time this campaign, while Die Werkself looks for their seventh straight win across competitions.

Match overview

Christian Ilzer’s Hoffenheim endured a rough start, losing four of their initial five top-flight encounters this season, a dismal run that sharply contrasts with the club’s fifth-place finish in 2025-26.

Nevertheless, Die Kraichgauer managed to prevail against Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on October 18, before following it up with a 3-0 victory over Lyon, who were at the summit of Ligue 1 at the time of the match on Thursday.

These wins marked the first occasion this season that Ilzer’s squad avoided defeat in back-to-back matches, and replicating this form in the Bundesliga could significantly alter their campaign’s outlook.

As the standings currently show, Hoffenheim is positioned 13th in the table after six matches, having accrued six points which places them only a point above the relegation zone and four points shy of the top six.

With hopes of pulling off a surprise against the odds this Sunday, supporters of Die Kraichgauer might have concerns regarding the team’s record of three losses in five home matches thus far.

That said, optimists among the home crowd can point to the fact that the club has netted at least twice in every home match this term at SNP Arena.

On the other hand, Carles Martinez Novell has made a strong impression since taking charge at Leverkusen, and the Spanish head coach will approach this fixture with confidence, riding a solid six-match winning streak.

In their last Bundesliga game, Die Werkself triumphed over Freiburg 2-1, disrupting Die Breisgau-Brazilians’ temporary position at the top of the league.

This win positioned Martinez Novell’s side fourth in the top tier with 13 points, just one behind leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Leverkusen also secured a 2-0 victory against OFI Crete in the Europa League on Thursday, preserving their perfect record in the competition, thanks to a double from Jonas Hofmann.

Adding to their impressive form, Die Werkself have achieved four clean sheets in their past six outings, conceding only four times while managing to score 16 goals throughout this excellent run.

Team News

Hoffenheim will miss centre-back Albian Hajdari due to a foot injury, along with 18-year-old defensive midfielder Nathan De Cat, who is recovering from a knee issue sustained during training.

In their absence, Robin Hranac is expected to partner Koki Machida in central defence, while Leon Avdullahu and Alexander Prass will likely form Ilzer’s double pivot.

Further up the pitch, the versatile forward Patrick Wimmer is ruled out with a hamstring injury; however, Bambase Conte, Fisnik Asllani, and Adam Daghim should be prepared to support striker Tim Lemperle.

For Leverkusen, Guela Doue (calf) will be sidelined, while fellow right-back Montrell Culbreath is doubtful with a foot injury, making way for former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah to potentially start on the right side of the visiting defence.

Die Werkself are also missing a trio of attacking options, with left winger Eliesse Ben Seghir recovering from a hamstring injury, attacking midfielder Martin Terrier sidelined due to a muscular problem, and striker Christian Kofane dealing with a thigh injury.

Consequently, expect to see Moussa Diaby, Ibrahim Maza, and Afonso Moreira in support of Patrik Schick up front.

Furthermore, 17-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn is regaining fitness after his metabolic disorder stabilized, so Ezequiel Fernandez and Aleix Garcia are set to start on Sunday.

Hoffenheim probable starting XI:

Hoffenheim probable starting XI: Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Machida, Rots; Avdullahu, Prass; Conte, Asllani, Daghim; Lemperle

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI:

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI: Spots; Quansah, Tapsoba, Medina, Gutierrez; Garcia, Fernandez; Diaby, Apple, Mulberry; Schick

Hoffenheim may have suffered three defeats in five home matches this season, but they have consistently found the net at least twice in those fixtures, and they are likely to score again on their turf.

Conversely, Leverkusen arrives at this clash having won six matches consecutively, and anything less than another victory would be surprising.