Hoffenheim vs. Union Berlin Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 8 February 2025 - bettingexpert
As we gear up for this Bundesliga clash on 8th February 2025, Hoffenheim will host Union Berlin at the PreZero Arena. This match is crucial for both sides as they sit perilously close to the relegation zone—Union Berlin in 14th with 21 points and Hoffenheim in 15th with 18 points. Christian Ilzer’s Hoffenheim are the bookmakers’ favourites with odds of 2.16 for a home win.
Despite their lower league position, Hoffenheim boast an impressive average of 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches, but their defense is shaky, having conceded in all of them. Union Berlin, with a new striker Marin Ljubicic, aim to bolster their attack, which has struggled, averaging just 0.40 goals per game recently. Veteran striker Benedict Hollerbach, their top scorer, could be key in this face-off.
The prediction leans towards an open, attacking game with a high potential for goals, making bets on "Over 3.5 goals" very appealing at odds of 3.15. Both teams are highly motivated, ensuring this encounter won’t be short on action.
Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting tip
| Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 3.5 Goals | 3.15 |
- Both teams are highly motivated, with Hoffenheim and Union Berlin needing to secure points to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
- Hoffenheim have been strong in attack at home, scoring in 80% of their matches this season and averaging 2.40 goals in their last five games.
- Union Berlin have been vulnerable defensively, averaging 1.4 goals conceded per game, which increases the likelihood of a high-scoring affair.
Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Odds
| Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Hoffenheim Win | 2.16 |
| Draw | 3.53 |
| Union Berlin Win | 3.19 |
Despite Hoffenheim being the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 2.16 to win, Union Berlin remains a viable contender with odds of 3.19. A draw might also be worth considering, given its odds of 3.53.
The match promises to be competitive, with Hoffenheim’s home advantage and Union Berlin’s need to prove themselves making for an exciting encounter. Expect an open game with plenty of attacking opportunities.
Hoffenheim Team Analysis
Hoffenheim Recent Performance
Hoffenheim’s recent form has been a mixed bag, showing moments of brilliance but also vulnerabilities:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | Hoffenheim | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Anderlecht | Hoffenheim | 3-4 (Win) |
| Hoffenheim | Eintracht Frankfurt | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Hoffenheim | Tottenham | 2-3 (Loss) |
| Holstein Kiel | Hoffenheim | 1-3 (Win) |
Hoffenheim has been potent in attack, averaging 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches. However, their defense has been leaky, failing to keep a clean sheet in these games.
Despite their ongoing struggles, their offensive capabilities can’t be overlooked, considering they scored in 80% of their home matches this season. An attacking mindset, especially at home, might be key against Union Berlin.
Hoffenheim Key Players
For Hoffenheim, Andrej Kramaric stands out as a key player despite his current ankle injury. Usually the team’s top scorer with 7 goals, his absence will be felt.
In his stead, attention will fall on Adam Hlozek, whose attacking prowess has consistently troubled defenses. His combination with youngsters like Erencan Yardimci and Max Moerstedt could prove critical against Union Berlin’s backline.
Defensively, Kevin Akpoguma will need to be at his best, particularly in aerial duels against Union Berlin’s forwards. Meanwhile, Luca Philipp’s form in goal could be just as pivotal in a match likely to feature plenty of scoring opportunities.
Expected lineup for Hoffenheim:
- Goalkeeper: Luca Philipp
- Defenders: Arthur Chaves, Robin Hranac, Kevin Akpoguma, David Mokwa, David Jurasek
- Midfielders: Dennis Geiger, Tom Bischof, Finn Ole Becker
- Forwards: Adam Hlozek, Max Moerstedt
Hoffenheim Suspensions & Injuries
Hoffenheim is currently plagued with numerous injuries, which could significantly impact their squad depth and overall performance against Union Berlin. With a long list of sidelined players, coach Christian Ilzer will have to make strategic adjustments.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ozan Kabak | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Ihlas Bebou | Knee surgery | Mid-February 2025 |
| Grischa Prömel | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Christopher Lenz | Calf injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Umut Tohumcu | Ankle injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Diadié Samassékou | Thigh injury | Late March 2025 |
| Haris Tabakovic | Knee injury | Mid-March 2025 |
| Oliver Baumann | Foot injury | Early March 2025 |
| Pavel Kaderabek | Bruised leg | Mid-February 2025 |
| Valentin Gendrey | Groin injury | Late February 2025 |
| Anton Stach | Heel injury | Early March 2025 |
| Andrej Kramaric | Ankle injury | Early March 2025 |
The absence of key players such as top scorer Andrej Kramaric could hinder their attacking options. Defensively, the absence of Ozan Kabak and others adds pressure to the remaining fit players to hold the line against a resilient Union Berlin side.
Hoffenheim Tactics and Formation
Hoffenheim Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Adam Hložek
- Midfield Quartet: David Mokwa, Tom Bischof, Dennis Geiger, Finn Ole Becker
- Defensive Line: Arthur Chaves, Robin Hranac, Kevin Akpoguma
- Goalkeeper: Luca Philipp
Christian Ilzer is likely to stick to a 3-4-3 formation for this crucial match against Union Berlin. Hoffenheim will aim to leverage their strong home performance, having scored in 80% of their home fixtures this season.
With key players like Andrej Kramaric out due to injury, Adam Hložek will need to spearhead the attack. Expect significant contributions from Tom Bischof and Dennis Geiger in the midfield as they try to control the tempo and create opportunities.
Hoffenheim tends to score most of their goals in the 76-90 and 61-75-minute intervals, making them a late-game threat. Their primary focus will be on tightening up defensively, given their difficulty in keeping clean sheets lately.
Union Berlin Team Analysis
Union Berlin Recent Performance
Union Berlin’s recent form has been a mixed bag, represented by their DLWLL record over the last five matches. They’ve struggled to find consistency, but there have been glimpses of their potential.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union Berlin | RB Leipzig | 0-0 (Draw) |
| St. Pauli | Union Berlin | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Union Berlin | Mainz 05 | 2-1 (Win) |
| Union Berlin | Augsburg | 0-2 (Loss) |
| FC Heidenheim | Union Berlin | 2-0 (Loss) |
Union Berlin have scored just 0.40 goals on average per game in the last five outings, indicating a need for improvement in the attacking department. They have managed one clean sheet in these matches, which shows some capability to hold the fort defensively, albeit inconsistently.
Fans will be hoping that star players like Benedict Hollerbach, who is their top scorer with 4 goals, can find the net more often to help break this slump.
Union Berlin Key Players
Union Berlin’s hopes in this clash will heavily rely on the performances of their key players. Top scorer Benedict Hollerbach, who leads their attack with four goals this season, remains crucial. His goal-scoring prowess will be needed more than ever as the team seeks to break its recent slump.
In midfield, the experienced Janik Haberer and the dynamic Lászlo Bénes will look to control possession and supply quality balls to the forwards. Rani Khedira’s defensive duties will be vital in breaking up Hoffenheim’s attacks.
Expected lineup for Union Berlin:
- Goalkeeper: Frederik Rönnow
- Defenders: Josip Juranovic, Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, Robert Skov
- Midfielders: Rani Khedira, Lászlo Bénes, Janik Haberer
- Attackers: Tim Skarke, Ivan Prtajin, Benedict Hollerbach
Key individual battles will likely include Hollerbach against Hoffenheim’s central defenders and Khedira versus Hoffenheim’s creative midfielders like Dennis Geiger. These duels could significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries
Union Berlin come into this match with a few crucial players sidelined due to injuries. No suspensions have affected the lineup, but the injuries could have a significant impact on the team’s performance, especially in a tightly contested game like this one.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Andrej Ilic | Ankle injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Aljoscha Kemlein | Foot injury | Late February 2025 |
| Kevin Vogt | Knee injury | Late March 2025 |
The absence of key players such as Kevin Vogt in defense could leave Union Berlin vulnerable at the back. Andrej Ilic and Aljoscha Kemlein’s injuries further diminish their options, potentially impacting their squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Union Berlin Tactics and Formation
Union Berlin’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Benedict Hollerbach
- Midfield Trio: Rani Khedira, Lászlo Bénes, Janik Haberer
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Union Berlin often attempts to gain control early but has struggled defensively, especially in away matches.
The expected line-up will see Frederik Rønnow in goal, supported by the defensive line of Josip Juranovic, Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, and Robert Skov. The midfield trio of Khedira, Bénes, and Haberer will look to dominate possession, while the frontline, led by Hollerbach, will aim to exploit Hoffenheim’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union Berlin | Hoffenheim | 2-1 |
| Hoffenheim | Union Berlin | 0-1 |
| Union Berlin | Hoffenheim | 0-2 |
| Hoffenheim | Union Berlin | 4-2 |
| Union Berlin | Hoffenheim | 3-1 |
In the last five meetings, Union Berlin have won three while Hoffenheim have claimed two victories. Union Berlin has had a slight upper hand historically, but Hoffenheim’s last performance on 2023-09-23 might give them confidence going into the match.
Odds accurate as of 02.06.2025 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
