Bundesliga: Last-Place Leverkusen Look for First Points

Bayer Leverkusen vs TSG Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen’s new Bundesliga campaign is off to a lousy start. Die Werkself find themselves bottom of the table after back-to-back defeats in the first two rounds.

Gerardo Seoane will be hoping the third time’s the charm in terms of getting their first win as his side host Hoffenheim this weekend.

Hoffenheim are in eighth place and are coming off a dramatic comeback win over Bochum last week. Die Kraichgauer’s first few games have been high-scoring affairs, and they could be in for another shootout against a Leverkusen side that still has some capable attacking weapons.

Talking Points

Leverkusen missing last season’s magic

After their strong third-place finish last season, Bayer Leverkusen have started this new campaign on a losing streak. They dropped their first match 1-0 away to Borussia Dortmund, then lost 2-1 to Augsburg in their home opener despite being heavy favourites according to the Bundesliga 2022 betting odds.

Leverkusen absolutely dominated Augsburg as they finished with a 24-6 advantage in shots, but they were unable to convert their chances.

Patrik Schick, who was one of the surprises of last season with 24 goals in just 27 games, has had a slow start in front of goal. Despite seven shots in his first two games, the Czech striker has yet to find the back of the net. Similarly, winger Moussa Diaby (13 goals, 12 assists last season) still hasn’t gotten off the mark.

The continued absence of playmaker Florian Wirtz has also played a part in Leverkusen’s slow start. The 19-year-old wunderkind, who had a wonderful campaign last season with 7 goals and 10 assists, is still recovering from a serious knee injury.

To make matters worse, they will also be without veteran winger Karim Bellarabi for the next six weeks as he suffered a knee injury against Dortmund.

Seoane started Sardar Azmoun and new signing Adam Hlozek against Augsburg in the absence of Wirtz and Bellarabi, and they could keep their places against Hoffenheim after producing their share of Bundesliga 2022 highlights.

Hoffenheim still entertaining under new head coach

Hoffenheim bounced back from their 3-1 opening-day defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach by beating Bochum 3-2 at home.

Hoffenheim found themselves two goals down after just 13 minutes, but they made a brilliant comeback, which was capped off by Mu’nas Dabbur’s goal two minutes from time to give new coach Andre Breitenreiter his first win in charge.

With a total of nine goals in their first two games, Hoffenheim are still as entertaining as ever under Breitenreiter. Last season under Sebastian Hoeness, they scored 58 goals – tied for fifth in the league – and conceded 60, which was the fourth-most in the division.

The departure of left-back David Raum to RB Leipzig this summer looked to be a significant blow for Hoffenheim. Raum was one of their main creative sparks as he provided 11 assists last season. But Angelino, who came over from Leipzig on loan, is a capable attacking outlet from the wing-back position.

Hoffenheim also have another wing-back who is looking quite dangerous going forward. Robert Skov has had a stellar start to the season; he scored in the opener against Gladbach and had five shots (two on target) against Bochum.

Meanwhile, Andrej Kramaric will look to bounce back after his rough outing against Bochum. The Croatian striker had five shots but none were on target, and he also had a penalty saved.

History

Leverkusen have had the edge over Hoffenheim in recent years. They have a 16-6 advantage in wins, with six draws.

Leverkusen are four games unbeaten against Hoffenheim, with two wins and two draws. Both matches last season were high-scoring barnburners. After a 2-2 draw at the BayArena, Leverkusen beat Hoffenheim 4-2 in the reverse fixture. Patrik Schick scored a brace in both matches.

Betting Tip 

SBOTOP odds have Bayer Leverkusen as big 1.68 favourites to get their first win of the season at home. Hoffenheim are priced at 4.40 while a draw is 4.00.

Without a doubt, Leverkusen will be desperate to get their first points of the season and emerge from the bottom of the Bundesliga standings. While Wirtz’s continued absence hurts, Schick and Diaby are still around and are more than capable of causing Hoffenheim’s shaky defence some problems.

Based on recent history and Hoffenheim’s start to the season, this could yet be another high-scoring affair. But home advantage, coupled with their quality up front, should see Leverkusen come out on top.

 

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