Prematch: RB Leipzig vs TSG Hoffenheim
Leipzig are once more in pursuit of a top-four finish as Hoffenheim arrives for an away match
Published: April 27, 2023 10:50
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In short
After suffering their third loss in five matches, Red Bull Leipzig are back with their sights set on Hoffenheim to attempt a comeback and climb back into the top four of Bundesliga 2. Kick-off will occur at 14:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday April 29 at the Red Bull Arena.
RB Leipzig Suffer Third Loss in Five Games, Look to Rebound Against Hoffenheim
Ten-man RB Leipzig experienced their third loss in five games against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, as Hlozek (40′) and Amiri (87′ P.) scored to hand the Red Bulls their 2-0 defeat and shift one spot further down the table from 4th place into fifth position overall with 51 points [15W, 6D & 8L]. Leipzig are four points outside the top three and two behind Freiburg [53 points] ahead of Saturday’s match-up against Hoffenheim; hoping to overtake them and finish in a top-four position themselves. Leipzig may have had a disappointing second half of the season, winning just 19 points out of 12 Bundesliga matches (their second-worst record ever), yet still boast an impressive home record. They have won 10 out of 14 home league games so far this season in the Bundesliga, picking up 32 points after just two losses [10W, 2D, 2L]. Only Borussia Dortmund has collected more points at home this year (37). Marco Rose will likely keep Timo Werner on as Timo Szoboszlai was sent off during last weekend’s 2-0 loss against Leverkusen and is suspended, goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi (knee injury) and Xaver Schlager (ankle injury) are also likely absent, while Amadou Haidara received too many yellow cards to play against Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Hoffenheim Seek To Turn Things Around After Second Worst Bundesliga Season Since 2012/13
Hoffenheim fell to FC Koln 3-1 last weekend at the PreZero Arena and has not found victory since their previous match, WWWDL. As such, they remain 14th with 29 points (8 Wins, 5 Draws & 16 Losses), seeking to turn things around. Hoffenheim are currently experiencing their second worst Bundesliga season since 2012/13 [24 points]. After 29 games they have earned just one point per game on average and sit second-bottom of the standings. Additionally, visitors have won only one out of their last nine Bundesliga away matches [1W, 2D, 6L], though they did avoid defeat in two outings [1W, 1D, 0L]. Hoffenheim could extend their streak of three consecutive away victories unbeaten for only the second time this season; after doing it back in October. Pellegrino Matarazzo may use Christoph Baumgartner and Ihlas Bebou as part of his 3-5-2 formation, with Bruun Larsen (groin injury), Che (groin injury), Grischa Promel (ankle injury), as well as potential substitute players, to attack. Bruun Larsen and Che (groin) are definitely unavailable due to injury while Grischa Promel (ankle injury).
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