Hoffenheim – Hamburg

Hoffenheim and Hamburg are both struggling right now and each side is desperate for points as the two teams meet in the Bundesliga 10th round opener.

The home side barely gained 6 points in the first 9 rounds and Hoffenheim is sitting on the second to last place in Bundesliga. However, Hoffenheim’s form has improved lately. The start to the season was horrible, but in the last 4 matches the hosts only lost once – and that was a good performance in a 2-4 defeat at Wolfsburg last round. Defense has been the main issue for Hoffenheim, who kept a single clean sheet in the 10 games played this season.

Hamburg finally got a draw last round after two consecutive losses against Schalke and Hertha Berlin, finishing 0-0 at home against Bayer Leverkusen. A good result, but this is now Hamburg’s third consecutive game without scoring – a huge worry and a surprise actually, as Hamburg is a good team up front and was scoring almost 2 goals per game in average before these last three matches. The hosts are 4 points ahead of the red zone on a good 12th position, but not one which can allow them to relax.

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Team news & lineups:

Hamad and Herdling will be out of Hoffenheim’s lineup, while Schwegler and Zuber are doubtful. Hamburg won`t be able to count on Kacar and Hunt, with Olic and Diaz both questionable.

Hoffenheim: Baumann – Kaderabek, Süle, Bicakcic, Toljan – Schwegler, Polanski – Rudy, Schmid – Volland, Vargas

Hamburg: Adler – Diekmeier, Djourou, Spahic, Ostrzolek – Diaz, Ekdal – N. Müller, Ilicevic – Schipplock, Lasogga

This should be a good game. Hoffenheim is playing well lately, banging in the goals and will fancy a win here, but Hamburg has been the better side this season and their latest run of bad form in offense is also due to meeting difficult opposition, along with some bad luck. Surely Hamburg will be extra focused to finally find the net today – they have the quality, no doubt about that and they’ve been probably working hard in training to improve finishing – as coach Labbadia suggested.

Four of the last 5 meetings so at least three goals, including a 3-0 win by Hoffenheim at this venue in the last direct match a few months back. The only match with under 2,5 goals was a 1-1. I expect a close, entertaining classic Bundesliga clash. Both teams should find the net and my tip is over 2,5 goals. Prediction: Hoffenheim – Hamburger SV 2-2.

Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.85 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.80
Event date: 23 October