Tottenham vs Hoffenheim – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur will face Hoffenheim in their last pre-season match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the Premier League kicks off.

Under Roberto De Zerbi’s management, Tottenham has maintained an unbeaten record in his initial pre-season, while Hoffenheim has also avoided defeat in their summer encounters, indicating that this weekend’s match will be a solid test ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Match overview

As the season approaches, Tottenham is looking to revive their fortunes under De Zerbi, who has the task of guiding the club back towards the European competition places.

Tottenham cannot afford another season finishing 17th in the Premier League, especially after spending around £240m this summer, including new arrivals like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

The pre-season performance of the London club has been promising; although they drew 1-1 with Getafe on August 8, they had previously secured four consecutive victories.

A notable win came against rivals Chelsea, where they triumphed 2-1 on August 1 with goals from Tonali and Richarlison, even after Kevin Danso received a red card shortly after the interval.

Despite their successes, Tottenham has struggled offensively, scoring only seven goals across their pre-season matches, and they will be eager to achieve their first clean sheet in four outings.

While they have yet to host a friendly at home, this may work in their favor, considering that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been particularly dominant for the team lately, with two victories, four losses, and three draws in their last nine fixtures at home during the 2025-26 campaign.

Hoffenheim was undoubtedly one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Bundesliga last season, often scoring three or more goals in 14 matches while also conceding three or more in six encounters.

They narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot, finishing with 61 points—just one behind fourth-placed Stuttgart in the 2025-26 season.

Having played six friendlies so far this summer, a win this weekend would mark their sixth victory in seven matches.

Under Christian Ilzer, Hoffenheim has proven potent in attack, netting at least three goals in five of those six matches, with a staggering 21 goals in a 21-0 victory against SV Massenbachhausen on July 22, and they also recorded three clean sheets.

However, their away record last season was mixed, with two losses, two wins, and one draw in their last five matches on the road.

Team News

This week, Tottenham confirmed the sale of Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid, which means fans have seen the last of him in a Spurs kit. His departure simplifies the selection of defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven.

Pedro Porro has returned from the World Cup, but it’s likely he will start on the bench, leaving Archie Gray as the probable starter at right-back.

Dominic Solanke is expected to play as the central striker, likely supported by Richarlison and Mathys Tel on the flanks.

Hoffenheim’s formation against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 7 featured Nathan De Cat in an advanced position behind Tim Lemperle. While Lemperle may retain his spot in the lineup, Adam Hlozek could be set to replace De Cat.

In the previous match, Wouter Burger and Alexander Prass formed a double pivot, and they are likely to be paired together again.

Tottenham Hotspur probable starting XI:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes; Richarlison, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke

Hoffenheim probable starting XI:

Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Rots; Prass, Burger; Lenz, Hlozek, Conte; Lemperle

Tottenham is favored to win, but their difficulties in attack may lead to a tense encounter for supporters.

With the backing of their home fans for the first time in pre-season, Tottenham will be eager to deliver a solid performance ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign.