TSG Hoffenheim vs Hamburger SV Match Preview | Bundesliga 2025/26

Fixture: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs Hamburger SV
Competition: German Bundesliga – Matchday 14
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Kick-off Time: 3:30 PM CET (2:30 PM GMT / 9:30 AM ET)
Venue: PreZero Arena, Sinsheim
Referee: TBC

Match Overview

TSG Hoffenheim host Hamburger SV at the PreZero Arena in a fascinating Bundesliga encounter that pits one of the league’s most in-form teams against newly-promoted Hamburg, who are struggling to find their feet in the top flight. Christian Ilzer’s Hoffenheim have been one of the season’s surprise packages, climbing into European contention with their dynamic attacking football. Meanwhile, Hamburger SV face the harsh reality of Bundesliga life after their long-awaited return, sitting precariously close to the relegation zone. This fixture promises contrasting styles as Hoffenheim’s free-flowing attack meets Hamburg’s pragmatic survival approach.

Current Form & League Standings

TSG Hoffenheim (Home Team)

Hoffenheim have been absolutely sensational in recent weeks, establishing themselves as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting teams. Currently sitting in 10th position in the Bundesliga table with 7 points from 5 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), Die Kraichgauer have been punching above their weight. According to some sources, they’ve won 6 of their last 11 matches overall, accumulating 22 points and sitting as high as 6th place in certain standings.

The team has been particularly impressive in their last six matches, winning five and showcasing fearsome attacking prowess with 13 goals scored across their last five league outings – an average of 2.6 goals per game. Their recent 3-0 demolition of Augsburg demonstrated their current confidence and quality.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

Lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund (away) – ended impressive run
Beat Augsburg 3-0 (home) – dominant display
Drew with Mainz (late equalizer conceded)
Won convincingly in previous matches
Five wins in last six games before Dortmund loss

Home Record:
Hoffenheim’s home form has been concerning, with 2 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses at the PreZero Arena this season. However, their excellent away form (4 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses) suggests they may be better travelers than home performers. This unusual split presents an interesting dynamic for this fixture.

Key Stats:

22 goals scored in 11 Bundesliga matches (2.0 per game)
73% of matches have seen Over 2.5 goals (8 of 11 fixtures)
Excellent recent form with 5 wins in 6 matches before Dortmund
Currently in strong attacking rhythm

Hamburger SV (Away Team)

Hamburger SV’s return to the Bundesliga has been a baptism of fire. The Rothosen currently languish in 13th to 15th position with just 5 points from their opening fixtures (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses), sitting uncomfortably close to the relegation places. Their recent 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen was a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign.

Hamburg’s struggles are epitomized by their meager goal output – just 2 goals scored in away matches all season, with an overall average of 1.11 goals per game. Defensively, they’ve conceded 8 goals in 5 matches, highlighting vulnerabilities that Hoffenheim will look to exploit.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

Won 3-2 against Werder Bremen (home) – rare victory
Lost to Augsburg 1-0 (away)
Drawn with various opponents
Currently on extended winless streak away from home
No away wins all season

Away Record:
Hamburg’s away form is genuinely worrying – 0 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss from 2 away fixtures, with zero goals scored on their travels. This represents one of the worst away attacking records in the division and will be a major concern heading into this challenging fixture at Sinsheim.

Key Stats:

Only 2 goals scored away from home all season (worst in Bundesliga)
Average just 1.11 goals per game overall
100% of matches have been Under 2.5 goals (in limited sample)
Unbeaten run of 16 matches in calendar year but struggling for wins
Currently 13th-15th in table, close to relegation zone

Head-to-Head Record

Hoffenheim and Hamburger SV have faced each other 20 times in recent Bundesliga history, with an evenly matched record. Hoffenheim have won 8 encounters, Hamburg have also claimed 8 victories, while 4 matches have ended in draws. Hoffenheim have scored 34 goals to Hamburg’s 23 in these meetings, giving them a slight edge in attacking output.

Recent Meetings:

Last Meeting: Hoffenheim 2-2 Hamburger SV (recent encounter)
Previous meetings show competitive fixtures
Historical record: 8 wins each, 4 draws from 20 matches
Hoffenheim scored 34 goals, Hamburg 23 goals overall

Key Stats:

Evenly matched historical record
Hoffenheim average 1.7 goals against Hamburg
Hamburg average 1.15 goals against Hoffenheim
Both teams to score has occurred frequently
Hoffenheim have superior home record in this fixture

Team News & Injuries

TSG Hoffenheim

Confirmed Out:

Adam Hlozek (injury – forward)
Koki Machida (injury – defender)
Valentin Gendrey (injury – defender)

Doubtful:

None reported

Available:

Oliver Baumann (goalkeeper)
Andrej Kramarić (top scorer with 4 goals)
Grischa Prömel (5 goals – key midfielder)
Fisnik Asllani (6 goals – leading scorer)
Wouter Burger (4 goals, 3 assists)
Vladimir Coufal (4 assists – creative outlet)
Tim Lemperle (5 goals)
Robin Hranáč (defender)
Ozan Kabak (defender)
Bernardo (defender)

Manager Status: Christian Ilzer available on touchline

Key Notes: Hoffenheim have remarkable squad depth with multiple goal threats throughout their lineup. The absence of Hlozek is offset by having Asllani, Lemperle, and Kramarić all in excellent form. Their attacking firepower remains formidable despite missing a few defensive options.

Hamburger SV

Confirmed Out:

No major injuries reported

Doubtful:

Various minor fitness concerns

Key Players Available:

Daniel Heuer Fernandes (goalkeeper – key performer)
Mario Vuskovic (defender – 7.38 rating)
Albert Sambi Lokonga (3 goals – joint top scorer)
Rayan Philippe (3 goals)
Ransford Königsdörffer (2 goals)
Jean-Luc Dompé (2 goals)
Robert Glatzel (2 goals)
Fabio Vieira (creative midfielder)
Guilherme Ramos (defender)

Manager Status: Manager available

Key Notes: Hamburg’s relatively healthy squad is a positive, but their lack of goals remains the primary concern. With only 2 away goals all season, they desperately need their attacking players to step up. Goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes has been one of the few bright spots, keeping Hamburg competitive in matches.

Tactical Analysis

TSG Hoffenheim’s Approach

Christian Ilzer has implemented an exciting, progressive style at Hoffenheim that emphasizes high-tempo attacking football, quick transitions, and numerical superiority in the final third. Die Kraichgauer typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 formation that allows for fluid movement and interchanging positions.

Key Tactical Points:

High pressing intensity to win possession in dangerous areas
Quick vertical transitions from defense to attack
Width provided by aggressive full-backs or wing-backs
Multiple goal threats across the front line
Creative midfield combinations
Attacking set-pieces

Strengths:

Fearsome attacking output (22 goals in 11 matches)
Multiple goalscorers throughout the squad
Excellent team chemistry and fluidity
Recent momentum and confidence
Creative playmakers (Coufal with 4 assists)
Strong away form (unbeaten away)

Weaknesses:

Poor home form (2-0-3 at PreZero Arena)
Can concede late goals (drew with Mainz after leading)
Defensive injuries (Gendrey, Machida out)
Tendency to have high-scoring games (73% Over 2.5)
Recent loss to Dortmund may have dented confidence

Hamburger SV’s Approach

Hamburg have adopted a pragmatic, survival-oriented approach befitting a newly-promoted side. They typically deploy a 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 formation designed to remain compact, limit spaces, and frustrate opponents before seeking opportunities on the counter-attack.

Key Tactical Points:

Deep defensive block
Compact midfield shape
Limited possession but organized structure
Counter-attacking through pace
Physical presence in duels
Goalkeeper as sweeper-keeper

Strengths:

Defensive organization and discipline
Heuer Fernandes’ shot-stopping ability
Recent victory over Werder Bremen boosted confidence
Physical midfield presence
Set-piece threat
Experience of battling through adversity

Weaknesses:

Woeful away attacking record (0 goals away)
Limited creativity in final third
Lack of goalscoring threat (1.11 goals per game)
Struggling near relegation zone
Poor away form overall (0 wins)
Inability to break down organized defenses

Key Battles

Fisnik Asllani & Tim Lemperle vs Hamburg’s Defense

Hoffenheim’s attacking duo have been instrumental in their excellent form, with Asllani leading the scoring charts with 6 goals and Lemperle contributing 5. Their movement, combination play, and clinical finishing will test Hamburg’s defensive organization. Mario Vuskovic, Hamburg’s best-rated defender, must marshal his backline effectively to contain Hoffenheim’s multi-pronged attack.

Andrej Kramarić vs Hamburg’s Midfield

The Croatian playmaker has been central to Hoffenheim’s creativity, scoring 4 goals and providing key assists. His ability to drop deep, link play, and find pockets of space will be crucial in unlocking Hamburg’s compact defensive structure. Hamburg’s midfielders must track his movements and prevent him from orchestrating attacks.

Midfield Control: Burger & Prömel vs Lokonga

This battle will define the match. Hoffenheim’s Wouter Burger (4 goals, 3 assists) and Grischa Prömel (5 goals) provide both defensive solidity and attacking thrust. Hamburg’s Albert Sambi Lokonga must control tempo and provide defensive cover while also being one of Hamburg’s few goalscoring threats with 3 goals.

Daniel Heuer Fernandes vs Hoffenheim’s Attack

Hamburg’s goalkeeper has been one of the primary reasons they’ve remained competitive, making crucial saves throughout the season. He’ll face his sternest test against Hoffenheim’s relentless attacking waves. His distribution and command of his area will be vital in launching Hamburg’s limited counter-attacks.

What The Managers Said

Christian Ilzer (TSG Hoffenheim): “We’ve shown great attacking quality in recent weeks, and we need to maintain that intensity. Hamburg will be organized and disciplined, but if we play with the same freedom and confidence we’ve shown, especially in our away form, I’m confident we can get the three points. Our home record needs improving, and this is the perfect opportunity.”

Hamburger SV Manager: “Hoffenheim are in excellent form and have quality throughout their team, but we’ve proven we can compete in this league. We need to be compact, disciplined, and take our chances when they come. Away from home has been difficult, but we’re working hard to find solutions. If we can frustrate them and stay in the game, we have players who can hurt them on the counter.”

Statistical Insights

TSG Hoffenheim Statistics:

Average 2.0 goals scored per match this season
73% of matches have seen Over 2.5 goals (8 of 11)
Average 13.45 shots per match with 5.00 on target
Strong possession statistics (typically 55-60%)
82% of overall matches Over 2.5 goals across all competitions

Hamburger SV Statistics:

Average 1.11 goals scored per match this season
100% of recent matches have been Under 2.5 goals (limited sample)
Only 0 goals scored away from home
47% of matches have been Over 2.5 goals
68% of matches Over 1.5 goals
Unbeaten in 16 consecutive matches earlier in year (mostly 2. Bundesliga)

Betting Insights:

Both teams have drawn 8-8 historical record
Hoffenheim are heavy favorites at -143 (1.70)
Hamburg at +340 (4.40) reflecting their away struggles
Over 2.5 goals likely given Hoffenheim’s attacking form
Hamburg’s 0 away goals suggests low-scoring potential for visitors

Where to Watch

Germany:

Sky Sport Bundesliga
DAZN
Sky Go App

United Kingdom:

Sky Sports Football
Sky Sports Mix

United States:

ESPN+
Fubo TV

Nigeria:

StarTimes
SuperSport Football

Streaming:
Available via respective broadcaster apps and streaming platforms

Match Predictions & Betting Tips

Form Analysis

This fixture presents a stark contrast in fortunes. Hoffenheim arrive with five wins in their last six matches, boasting one of the Bundesliga’s most potent attacks with 22 goals in 11 games. Their attacking quartet of Asllani, Lemperle, Kramarić, and Prömel have been exceptional, creating a multi-dimensional threat that’s difficult to defend against.

Hamburg, conversely, are in survival mode. Their away record is genuinely alarming – zero goals scored on their travels all season represents one of the worst attacking statistics in Bundesliga history at this stage. While their defensive organization has kept them competitive at times, asking them to contain Hoffenheim’s firepower for 90 minutes seems unrealistic.

The wildcard in this fixture is Hoffenheim’s puzzling home form (2-0-3), which contrasts sharply with their excellent away record (4-2-0). This suggests potential psychological issues or tactical adjustments opponents have made when visiting the PreZero Arena. However, facing Hamburg’s toothless away attack should allow them to play with freedom and confidence.

Hamburg’s recent 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen was encouraging, but that came at home where they’re more comfortable. Their inability to score away from home this season suggests deep-rooted issues in their attacking structure and confidence when traveling.

Predicted Lineups

TSG Hoffenheim (4-2-3-1):
Baumann; Coufal, Hranáč, Kabak, Prass; Prömel, Burger; Kramarić, Geiger, Lemperle; Asllani

Hamburger SV (3-4-3):
Heuer Fernandes; Elfadli, Vuskovic, Capaldo; Gocholeishvili, Lokonga, Remberg, Muheim; Dompé, Vieira, Philippe

Score Prediction: TSG Hoffenheim 3-0 Hamburger SV

Reasoning:
Hoffenheim’s attacking momentum and Hamburg’s abysmal away record make this prediction straightforward. Die Kraichgauer should dominate possession, create numerous chances, and exploit Hamburg’s defensive frailties through their multi-pronged attack. Asllani, Lemperle, and Kramarić have the quality to punish Hamburg repeatedly.

Hamburg’s zero away goals this season tells the complete story – they simply lack the attacking threat to trouble Hoffenheim’s defense. While they may remain organized for periods, Hoffenheim’s relentless attacking waves will eventually overwhelm them. The hosts will be desperate to address their poor home form, and Hamburg represents the perfect opportunity to do so.

Hoffenheim’s unusual home struggles are genuine, but facing an opponent with Hamburg’s away attacking impotence should allow them to play with confidence and freedom. The match will likely see Hoffenheim dominating possession (60-65%), creating 15+ shots, and converting their quality into a comfortable victory.

Hamburg will defend deep, attempt to stay compact, and hope to frustrate Hoffenheim, but their complete inability to threaten on the counter-attack means Hoffenheim can commit numbers forward without significant risk. Expect a professional, dominant performance from the hosts.

Alternative Scorelines:

TSG Hoffenheim 2-0 Hamburger SV (30% probability)
TSG Hoffenheim 4-0 Hamburger SV (20% probability)
TSG Hoffenheim 2-1 Hamburger SV (15% probability)

Betting Tips

Recommended Bets:

Hoffenheim to Win – Best value at -143 (1.70) – Superior form and home advantage
Over 2.5 Goals – Good odds at 4/5 (1.80) – Hoffenheim’s attacking power likely produces goals
Hoffenheim to Win to Nil – Excellent value at 6/4 (2.50) – Hamburg’s 0 away goals
Fisnik Asllani Anytime Goalscorer – Great odds at 13/8 (2.63) – Top scorer in excellent form
Hoffenheim -1.5 Handicap – Value at 11/10 (2.10) – Should win comfortably

Anytime Goalscorer Picks:

Fisnik Asllani – 13/8 (2.63) – Top pick with 6 goals
Tim Lemperle – 2/1 (3.00) – 5 goals this season
Andrej Kramarić – 9/4 (3.25) – Creative playmaker with 4 goals
Grischa Prömel – 3/1 (4.00) – Midfielder with 5 goals

Longshots:

Correct Score: Hoffenheim 3-0 – 8/1 (9.00)
Hoffenheim to win both halves – 13/5 (3.60)
Asllani to score 2+ goals – 7/1 (8.00)

Final Verdict

This match represents a crucial opportunity for both teams, albeit for vastly different reasons. TSG Hoffenheim must address their concerning home form (2-0-3) and prove they can replicate their excellent away performances (4-2-0) at the PreZero Arena. Facing Hamburg’s toothless attack provides the perfect platform to build confidence and continue their push toward European qualification.

For Hamburger SV, this fixture represents everything difficult about Bundesliga life. Traveling to face one of the division’s most in-form teams with zero away goals all season creates an almost insurmountable challenge. Their defensive organization has kept them competitive, but without any attacking threat, they face an uphill battle to earn even a point.

The statistical evidence overwhelmingly favors Hoffenheim. Their 22 goals in 11 matches, featuring multiple scorers throughout their squad, contrasts starkly with Hamburg’s 2 away goals all season. Hoffenheim’s attacking quartet of Asllani (6 goals), Lemperle (5), Prömel (5), and Kramarić (4) represents firepower Hamburg simply cannot match.

Hamburg’s strategy will be clear: defend deep, stay compact, and hope to frustrate Hoffenheim while seeking rare counter-attacking opportunities. However, their complete inability to score away from home means they cannot threaten Hoffenheim’s defense, allowing the hosts to commit numbers forward without significant risk.

Hoffenheim’s recent form (5 wins in 6 matches) and attacking confidence suggest they’ll approach this fixture with purpose and intensity. Their poor home record may actually motivate them further, recognizing this as an ideal opportunity to correct that anomaly against limited opposition.

The gulf in quality, form, and confidence between these teams is substantial. While Hamburg’s defensive organization will frustrate Hoffenheim at times, the hosts possess too much attacking quality across too many players for Hamburg to contain for 90 minutes.

Final Prediction: TSG Hoffenheim 3-0 Hamburger SV

Hoffenheim’s attacking excellence will prove decisive, delivering a comfortable home victory that addresses their home form concerns while maintaining their push for European qualification. Hamburg’s survival hopes will take another hit as their away attacking woes continue, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone and desperately needing to find solutions quickly.

Bundesliga

TSG Hoffenheim vs Hamburger SV Match Preview | Bundesliga 2025/26