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TSG Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund
Just a few days after the round of 16 in the DFB Cup, the 20th matchday in the Bundesliga is coming up and the PreZero Arena in Sinnsheim will be the venue for the clash between two clubs who suffered bitter defeats in their cup matches during the week. The match between TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund will kick off at 3:30 pm on Saturday.
After three wins from five matches, TSG remained winless against BVB for three Bundesliga matches in a row. For the first time ever, the Kraichgauer could now lose both games of a Bundesliga season against the Black and Yellows. Whether we are convinced of this and what else we think about this game, you can find out now in our Hoffenheim vs Dortmund tip.
Hoffenheim -Dortmund Info
– Date & Time: 22.01.2022, at 15:30 hrs.
– Venue: Sinnsheim, PreZero Arena (up to 30,000 spectators)
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 20
– TV broadcast: Sky Sport Bundesliga
Hoffenheim -Dortmund Tip
The starting situation could be much better on both sides. Both Hoffenheim and Dortmund suffered bitter defeats in the DFB Cup during the week – in different ways. The hosts hosted SC Freiburg last Wednesday and lost the match by an incredible 1:4. BVB already had to face second-division leaders FC St. Pauli on Tuesday, where they lost surprisingly but nevertheless deservedly by 2:1. So for both teams, the aim on Saturday is to at least be successful again in the Bundesliga after the bitter exit in the cup.
Hoffenheim Form & Balance Check
With the 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin, TSG Hoffenheim suffered their first Bundesliga defeat since Matchday 11 (2-0 in Bochum) last weekend. The series of seven games without a defeat was unfortunately broken. For Kramaric & Co. it was by far the best phase of the current season. Before that, Sebastian Hoeneß’ team had never managed to go three games in a row without a defeat. After the defeat in the capital and the cup exit, it is now a question of turning the tables again as quickly as possible.
Next sense of achievement against Dortmund?
A look at the statistics shows that the chances are not bad at all that TSG will really succeed on Saturday. Hoffenheim are unbeaten in seven home games in the Bundesliga (six wins, one draw) and have only lost three of their previous 13 home games against the black-and-yellow Borussia. Since the start of 2013, the Kraichgauer have even scored in seven of eight home games against BVB – together with Frankfurt and Bayern, the highest league score in this period. However, the last encounter at the PreZero Arena was lost 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Marco Reus (76th).
Hoffenheim facts & Analysis
– 31 points from 19 games
– Last lost 4:1 at Freiburg
– Unbeaten for 7 home games
– Lost only 3 of 13 home games against Dortmund
Dortmund form & balance check
After starting the new year perfectly with two wins from two games and closing the gap to FC Bayern to six points, BVB suffered the next big disappointment of the current season in the DFB Cup. Dortmund fell behind 1:0 after just four minutes at the extremely strong home team at the top of the 2nd division. After that, the heavy favourites had much more possession, but rarely knew what to do with it. Shortly before the end of the second half, the Kiezkicker even managed to increase the lead to 2:0 through an own goal by Axel Witsel (40th). It was already clear at this point that it would be extremely difficult for the favourites to progress.
BVB with almost characterless performance
BVB’s lack of character in the second half was really frightening. Granted, the pitch conditions were not ideal and playing against a self-sacrificing opponent in the DFB Cup is anything but easy, but what BVB put on the pitch with this quality in the squad is inexcusable. Coach Marco Rose quickly pinpointed the problem after the game.
We have to put energy into it as a team right from the start because we have a title at stake. It’s stupid that we didn’t do that. The energy he demanded was not noticeable on the pitch at any time. As a neutral spectator, you didn’t get the feeling that the players were doing everything they could to somehow turn things around. And with such an attitude you won’t win a game at this level – not even against a (still) second division team.
Dortmund Facts & Analysis
– 40 points from 19 games
– Last lost 2:1 at St. Pauli
– None of the last 3 duels with TSG lost
– 14 goals in last 5 Bundesliga matches
Predicted line-up – last update on 20 January 2022
In addition to the long-term injured Bicakcic and Skov, TSG Hoffenheim currently have to do without Kaderabek (muscle injury) and Samassekou (Africa Cup). Grillitsch could return to the starting eleven after overcoming a Corona infection, possibly in the three-man backline for Richards. Apart from that, we don’t expect any surprises. Instead of Dabbur and Stiller, Rudy/Baumgartner or Rutter could also play.
For BVB, the only question is whether Malen or Hazard will start at left wing. We expect Malen, as the Dutchman came off the bench in the cup. Dahoud was absent in the cup due to back problems, but should be available again in the league. Can, Morey and Reyna are still missing due to injury.
Bitter evening, no question. Still, there was one nice moment:
Benni Hübner is back after 571 days.
We missed you, Captain! pic.twitter.com/5GWgayGNID
– TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) January 19, 2022
Hoffenheim – Dortmund direct comparison & Statistics
The direct comparison is relatively even, but with 12 to 7 wins and 10 draws, it is narrowly in favour of BVB. The record of the last five matches is completely balanced with two wins and one draw each. BVB won the first leg in the Bundesliga 3:2. After Munas Dabbur equalised in the 90th minute, Erling Haaland scored the 3:2 winner just moments later. The previous match ended 2-2, with the Norwegian also scoring late on, but in the 81st minute.
– Did you know that TSG Hoffenheim score 33% of their goals between the 76-90 minute?
– The comparisons between the two clubs last season: 0-1 (home to TSG Hoffenheim) and 2-2 (home to Borussia Dortmund).
– Will the series continue? Borussia Dortmund have always scored in their last 16 matches.
– A year ago, TSG Hoffenheim was in 12th position in the table with 22 points. They are currently in 4th position (31).
