14 December 2021, 13:56 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Bundesliga fixture, Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, kicks off at 20:30 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, December 15, at BayArena.
Preview Bayer 04 Leverkusen Bundesliga, Dec 15, 2021
Preview Having given up a two-goal lead, Bayer Leverkusen were shocked in a 5-2 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend when both sides met at the Deutsche Bank Park. Patrik Schick (5' & 22' P.) bagged the opener in the first five minutes, before returning for the brace from the penalty spot. A minute later, Tuta (23') reduced Leverkusen’s lead. Jesper Lindstrøm (30') restored parity at the Deutsche Bank on the half-hour mark, before goals from, Evan N'dicka (50'), Jakic (66'), and Djibril Sow (76') saw the Company's Eleven without a way back into the game. It was the first defeat for 3rd-placed Bayer Leverkusen in five games, DWWWL. Left with 27 points after 8W, 3D, and 4L, Gerardo Seoane eyes a quick return to winning ways to keep the chasing lot at bay. A point separates Leverkusen and Hoffenheim ahead of Wednesday's fixture, and a defeat here will see Leverkusen drop out of the top-three. Bayer Leverkusen have a goal ratio of 2.47 g.p.g. this season, having scored 37 goals in 15 Bundesliga games. They have also conceded 24 goals and have a G.D. of +13. An average of 1.6 goals conceded per game. The 4—2—3—1 formation with Patrik Schick is expected to remain in place. On availability, Bakker (ankle) and Fosu-Mensah (match fitness) are on the list of possible absentees, while Baumgartlinger (knee) is ruled out. Meanwhile, Frimpong is suspended for this fixture.
Preview TSG Hoffenheim Bundesliga, Dec 15, 2021
Preview Hoffenheim bagged all three points after picking up a 2-1 win over SC Freiburg at the Europa-Park Stadion on Saturday. Hoffenheim's David Raum (3') put his side in the lead in the opening five minutes before Nico Schlotterbeck (21') restored parity mid-way through the first half. However, a last-gasp effort from Chris Richards (90'+4) saw Hoffenheim seal the victory. The win saw the club move one spot ahead on the Bundesliga table, from 5th to 4th place, having picked up 26 points from 8W, 2D, and 5L. Hoffenheim have four straight victories in five Bundesliga games, LWWWW, ahead of this fixture against Bayer Leverkusen. A look at the numbers leaves the club with 32 goals (2.13 goals scored per game) after 15 Bundesliga games. Die Kraichgauer have conceded 23 goals (an average of 1.53 goals per match) so far this season, and have a G.D. of +9. Sebastian Hoeneß may opt for three at the back once more, this time in the 3—4—3 formation against Bayer Leverkusen, with Mu'nas Dabbur at the center of the attacking trio. A long list of injuries could see Hoffenheim without as many as six players.