For Hoffenheim, Thursday’s 3-1 defeat on the road to Sporting Braga means that their European adventures are over. Coach Julian Nagelsmann may consider this a good thing though, as TSG have been much more inconsistent in the league this time around with the added strain of mid-week outings. However, with Hoffenheim heading to Hamburg with a near fully fit squad, 3 points should be the target this weekend.
From a betting perspective, given Hamburg’s recent form, backing the visitors to get a win here seems a decent option. Hoffenheim have had no trouble finding the back of the net on the road in 2017 – in fact, TSG are averaging 2.2 goals scored per away match this season and haven’t failed to score on their travels in the league in 2017 – while Hamburg hold one of the worst home records in the Bundesliga, losing in 3 of their 5 outings at the Volksparkstadion so far (W1 D1 L3). Add Hamburg’s injury dilemma to the fact that midfielder Andre Hahn and manager Markus Gisdol missed Thursday’s training session due to illness then things look to be going from bad to worse!
Hoffenheim’s standout performer in front of goal this season has been forward Markus Uth. He’s scored 3 times as many goals than Hamburg’s own top scorer and having found the back of the net in each of his last two outings (1 Bundesliga and 1 Europa League), we like his chances to score anytime here.
In terms of which direction this match goes, while Hoffenheim have been in top scoring form on the road, Nagelsmann’s men have been far from meticulous at the back, keeping just one clean sheet over their last 11 outings across all competitions. Hamburg do have a trick up their sleeve in 17-year old sensation Jann-Fiete Arp though, who is expected to continue to lead up front and has scored 2 goals over their last three outings, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams to score come the full time whistle. Our prediction: a 3-1 Hoffenheim win.
Head To Head
Hamburg beat Hoffenheim 2-1 at the Volksparkstadion when the two sides last met in April. Hoffenheim have won 4 of the last 8 meetings between them (W4 D2 L2).
Hamburg vs Hoffenheim Stats
TSG have beaten HSV by a four-goal margin on three occasions in the top flight – more often than against any other side.
HSV have won just one of their last 10 league matches (D1 L8). They were kept at bay in seven of those games.
TSG have netted in their last 15 Bundesliga away games (F28). The 3-0 victory in Cologne saw them end a 13-match wait for an away clean sheet.
Hamburg Team News
Hamburg midfielder Albin Ekdal is struggling with a thigh problem picked up in Sweden's 2018 FIFA World Cup play-offs. Midfielder Aaron Hunt and defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos could also miss out here. Andre Hahn is a major doubt after missing training on Thursday as did coach Markus Gisdol (illness).
Hoffenheim Team News
Striker Sandro Wagner and centre-back Benjamin Hübner are set to return after sitting out Hoffenheim’s UEFA Europa League clash with Braga on Thursday. Full-back Pavel Kaderabek is on the mend, but he's still short of match fitness and unlikely to be risked. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
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