RB Leipzig travel to the PreZero Arena on Saturday knowing that anything less than three points against Hoffenheim could deal a heavy blow to their Bundesliga title ambitions. For Hoffenheim, the fixture represents another opportunity to underline their remarkable progress under Christian Ilzer, as they continue to climb the table and distance themselves from past struggles.
Christian Ilzer’s Hoffenheim have quietly emerged as one of the season’s most entertaining sides. After years spent flirting with relegation, Die Kraichgauer appear to have rediscovered confidence and attacking purpose. Their recent 3-2 triumph over Wolfsburg on November 1 showcased their newfound resilience, they managed to win despite registering fewer shots, fewer efforts on target, and a lower expected goals (xG) tally than their opponents.
With 16 points from their first nine matches, Hoffenheim already sit two points ahead of the tally they achieved across 17 matchweeks last season. More importantly, they are now only two points shy of fourth-placed Stuttgart, who currently hold the final Champions League qualification spot.
Ilzer’s men have claimed three straight league victories, netting three goals in each, a testament to their attacking flair. However, defensive concerns persist, just one clean sheet in nine outings highlights an area still in need of improvement. Their home form, too, has been inconsistent: after losing their first three matches at the PreZero Arena, Hoffenheim have since steadied themselves with back-to-back wins, including a convincing 3-1 victory over Heidenheim.
Notably, Ilzer’s first game in charge came against Leipzig last season, a dramatic 4-3 win in which Hoffenheim came from behind three times. That match will certainly be used as motivation as they look to extend their winning streak to four in the Bundesliga.
For RB Leipzig, the mission is clear: win, or risk losing ground in the title race. Their 3-1 victory over Stuttgart earlier this month ensured they stayed within touching distance of Bayern Munich, but with the champions yet to drop a single point, every slip-up could prove costly.
Ole Werner’s men have been one of the most consistent sides in Germany this season, having won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions while avoiding defeat in each of them. Their attacking play has been dynamic, with Leipzig creating five big chances and conceding just one in their victory over Stuttgart. Yet, defensive lapses remain a concern, with only one clean sheet in their last five fixtures.
Still, their away form offers encouragement. Leipzig are unbeaten in their last five away games, winning four of them, and they have dominated this fixture historically, claiming victory in four of their last six meetings with Hoffenheim. Werner’s tactical flexibility, coupled with his side’s pace on the counter, makes them particularly dangerous against teams that commit men forward, something Hoffenheim often do.
A win here would not only keep Leipzig within striking distance of Bayern but also reinforce their growing confidence ahead of a congested winter schedule. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Hoffenheim enter this encounter with a few notable absentees as they aim to extend their winning run in the Bundesliga. The most significant loss remains Adam Hlozek, who has not featured for the club since May due to a persistent foot injury. The Czech forward continues his recovery and will once again be unavailable for selection. His absence deprives Hoffenheim of a versatile attacking presence capable of operating both centrally and from wide areas.
In addition, there are no fresh injury setbacks for manager Christian Ilzer, while the squad will be pleased to have avoided any suspensions. However, with a busy schedule ahead, the Austrian tactician may consider minor rotation in key positions to maintain energy and rhythm.
Christian Ilzer is expected to deploy his side in a 4-4-2 formation, a setup that has provided both attacking width and compact defensive shape during Hoffenheim’s recent resurgence. Oliver Baumann will take his usual place in goal, offering experience and command from the back.
Ahead of him, the defensive line should consist of Vladimir Coufal at right-back, providing forward thrust and overlapping runs, while Robin Hranac and Albian Hajdari form the central defensive partnership tasked with containing Leipzig’s fluid frontline. On the left flank, Bernardo will operate as the full-back, combining defensive awareness with an ability to join attacks when space opens.
In midfield, Andrej Kramaric is likely to occupy the right wing, drifting inside to act as an auxiliary playmaker, while Bazoumana Toure brings pace and directness on the left. At the heart of midfield, Leon Avdullahu and Wouter Burger are expected to anchor the center, providing a blend of composure, ball-winning ability, and distribution. Their task will be crucial in maintaining control and shielding the defence from Leipzig’s counter-attacks.
Up front, with Adam Hlozek unavailable, the forward duties will likely fall to Fisnik Asllani and Tim Lemperle, a young and energetic duo capable of stretching defences with their movement and link-up play. Asllani’s poaching instincts and Lemperle’s ability to drop deep to connect play could make them a tricky pair to contain.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Bernardo; Kramaric, Avdullahu, Burger, Toure; Asllani, Lemperle
Leipzig have a relatively short absentee list heading into their trip to Hoffenheim, but the players missing are key components in their setup. The club will be without full-backs Benjamin Henrichs and Kosta Nedeljkovic, both of whom remain sidelined through injury. Henrichs’s absence robs Leipzig of experience and versatility on the right flank, while Nedeljkovic’s continued spell on the sidelines limits depth in defensive rotation.
There is also a concern over Castello Lukeba, who is nursing a shoulder problem and remains doubtful for selection. Should the French centre-back fail to recover in time, Leipzig manager Ole Werner will be forced to reshuffle his backline accordingly. Fortunately, there are no suspension issues to contend with, allowing Werner to field an otherwise full-strength lineup.
Ole Werner is expected to stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation, which has provided his team with balance between attacking aggression and defensive compactness. Peter Gulacsi will start in goal, bringing leadership and composure to the backline. In defence, Ridle Baku should occupy the right-back position, offering width and overlapping runs, while David Raum will operate on the left, known for his excellent delivery from wide areas. At centre-back, Willi Orban is expected to marshal the defensive unit alongside El Chadaille Bitshiabu, forming a combination of experience and athleticism.
The midfield trio will likely feature Assan Ouedraogo on the right of the central unit and Christoph Baumgartner on the left, both tasked with supporting attacks while pressing high when out of possession. Anchoring the midfield will be Nicolas Seiwald, who will sit deeper as the number six, breaking up play and dictating the tempo.
Up front, Romulo is set to lead the line as the central striker, supported on the flanks by Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande. Nusa’s pace and direct dribbling from the left, combined with Diomande’s ability to cut inside from the right, give Leipzig’s attack both width and unpredictability. Together, the trio will look to stretch Hoffenheim’s defence and exploit spaces between the lines.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Ouedraogo, Seiwald, Baumgartner; Diomande, Romulo, Nusa
In their past 20 meetings, Hoffenheim have won just 4, while RB Leipzig have claimed 12 victories and 4 have ended in draws.
Across those head-to-head fixtures, the average goals per match is about 3.15.
In recent H2H home matches for Hoffenheim, the average goals conceded by them is high: in one dataset they allowed 10 of the 18 goals conceded in away matches vs RB Leipzig.
Hoffenheim are scoring more at home this season than they did at this stage last time, already surpassing their total after 17 match weeks of last season.
Leipzig’s away form is strong, historically unbeaten in several recent outings away to Hoffenheim and four wins in their last five travels.
All eyes will be on Antonio Nusa, the young Norwegian winger who has quickly established himself as one of RB Leipzig’s most exciting attacking prospects. Blessed with explosive pace, close control, and an eye for goal, Nusa brings flair and unpredictability to Leipzig’s frontline, qualities that could prove crucial against a Hoffenheim side vulnerable in defensive transitions.
Operating predominantly from the left flank, Nusa’s ability to glide past defenders and cut inside onto his stronger right foot makes him a constant threat. His dribbling in one-on-one situations and quick changes of direction often open up space for teammates, particularly for overlapping full-back David Raum or central striker Romulo. Beyond his creativity, Nusa has shown an improving end product, combining smart decision-making with confidence in the final third.
Manager Ole Werner has used him effectively both as a traditional winger and as an inverted forward, allowing him to exploit gaps behind opposition full-backs. Against Hoffenheim’s backline, which has conceded regularly this season, Nusa’s sharp movement and ability to draw defenders out of position could be decisive.
If Leipzig are to extend their winning run, the 20-year-old will likely play a central role, whether by creating opportunities for others or producing a moment of individual brilliance himself.
This matchup promises to be one of the weekend’s most entertaining fixtures, pitting Hoffenheim’s free-flowing, attack-minded football against a confident RB Leipzig side chasing the Bundesliga summit. Both teams have shown a willingness to play on the front foot, but Leipzig’s superior structure, depth, and balance between attack and defence may prove the difference.
Hoffenheim’s recent run of victories highlights their growing belief under Christian Ilzer, yet their defensive frailties remain a significant concern. Conceding in eight of their last nine league games suggests vulnerability, especially against a Leipzig attack that thrives on speed and precision in transition. The home side will look to Andrej Kramarić for inspiration, but sustaining pressure against Leipzig’s pressing system will be a tough task.
On the other hand, Leipzig come into this fixture in excellent form, having won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. Ole Werner’s men possess an impressive blend of technical quality and tactical discipline, and their away record reinforces that confidence. If Antonio Nusa and Dani Olmo find rhythm on the flanks, and Romulo Cardoso stays sharp in front of goal, Leipzig’s attacking trio could overwhelm the hosts.
Expect Hoffenheim to make this competitive early on, but Leipzig’s quality in transition and composure in possession should ultimately see them through.
