TSG Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga
Date: Friday, 16th December, 2016
Kick-off: 19:30 UK
Venue: WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim
TSG Hoffenheim
Impressively, TSG Hoffenheim and Real Madrid are the only two unbeaten sides from the big leagues in Europe. Just one year ago TSG Hoffenheim were nailed on the last spot at the Bundesliga table, but they are climbing up ever since coach Julian Nagelsmann took over the team back in February.
TSG Hoffenheim recorded six wins and eight draws so far, and last weekend they played an intense goalless draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. That was their fourth draw in the last five games.
Regarding their home matches, TSG Hoffenheim won four and drew three of their seven home games this season. Since February 2016, TSG Hoffenheim have lost just once at home under the guidance of their young coach Nagelsmann. Their home games also produce lots of goals, with eight of their last ten home games ending with at least three goals scored.
Apart from their attacking midfielder Kerem Demirbay who is out injured, there are no fresh injuries in TSG Hoffenheim`s team in front of this game.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund have been very inconsistent in the recent weeks. After their impressive victory over Bayern Munich a few weeks ago, they lost against Eintracht Frankfurt, won against Borussia Monchengladbach and drew against Koln last weekend. Last weekend they achieved a last-gasp 1-1 away draw against Koln, scoring the equalizing goal in the very last minute of the match.
This game against TSG Hoffenheim and their last game before the winter break against Augsburg are must-win games for Borussia Dortmund in order for them to stay close to the leaders RB Leipzig. Fortunately for them, leaders RB Leipzig lost to Ingolstadt last weekend, so they got one point closer to them.
Borussia Dortmund`s away form has also been very shaky. They managed just two away wins this season, against the bottom sides of Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV, drew twice and lost three times. Their last two away games ended in 2-1 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt and 1-1 draw against Koln, and they have never went on for three straight away games without victory under their current coach Thomas Tuchel.
Midfielder Mario Gotze successfully recovered from an injury, so Borussia Dortmund have their best squad available for selection in this match.
Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund: Head-to-Head Stats
The last three home meetings of Hoffenheim versus Dortmund were all scored draws. While Dortmund can boast of a four match unbeaten run at this venue with a win on their side.
It is once again hard to separate the teams looking at their meetings in past 6 seasons across both venues. Dortmund won 5 of the 13 matches, while Hoffenheim are not far behind with 3 wins and another 5 were draws.
However, Hoffenheim will be looking to grab their first win over Dortmund since May 2013 when they took three points from West Fallen. Dortmund have claimed four points in matches against Hoffenheim last season, winning the last encounter with a 3-1 win at the Signal-Iduna-Park in February this year.
Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund: Prediction
Nine out of last ten head to head encounters between the two teams saw the option of both sides netting. Considering the current attacking form and the fact that Sandro Wagner on one side and Aubameyang and Reus on the other side. With all the mentioned players on red-hot form recently, we can’t see how BTTS bet would fail here.
There are absolutely no doubts for us here. The BTTS pick is the banker of the day, set at the 1/2 odds by the bookmakers. Alternatively, we see a great value in backing the hosts not to lose at more than attractive 23/20, but please be careful with the stakes.
Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund: Betting Tips
Both teams to score YES 1/2
Hoffenheim not to lose 23/20.
