Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 17 January 2026
One of the key fixtures of Bundesliga Matchday 18 will take place on Saturday at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, where local side Hoffenheim host Bayer Leverkusen. I’m backing a bet on goals in this clash, as the odds of a high-scoring affair look promising.
- See also: Hamburg vs Borussia Mönchengladbach prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 17 January 2026
Match preview
Hoffenheim have been in impressive attacking form in recent weeks, especially at home, where they've strung together five consecutive Bundesliga victories. In their latest outing against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Die Kraichgauer put on a clinic, netting four goals in the first half and delivering a mature, attacking display.
Manager Christian Ilzer’s men have also shored up their defense—after a shaky start to the campaign, they’ve significantly reduced the number of goals conceded. The hosts are highly motivated and playing quality football, with the added incentive of breaking into the Champions League spots should they claim all three points.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, have been inconsistent and recently suffered a bruising 1-4 home defeat to Stuttgart—a serious blow to their top-four ambitions. Over the last six Bundesliga rounds, the Werkself have lost three times, with defensive frailties exacerbated by injuries, notably to Tapsoba.
Nevertheless, Kasper Hjulmand’s team remain a dangerous force on the road, losing just twice in eleven away games. Bayer’s major weapons are the pace and technical prowess of their attacking unit, spearheaded by Hofmann and Terrier, who are always ready to exploit any gaps in the opposition backline.
Probable lineups
- Hoffenheim: Baumann, Coufal, Hranac, Kabak, Prass, Kramaric, Avdullahu, Burger, Lemperle, Asllani, Toure
- Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken, Quansah, Bade, Belocian, Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo, Hofmann, Tillman, Terrier
Match facts and head-to-head
- Hoffenheim have won their last five Bundesliga home matches
- Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Hoffenheim
- Seven of Hoffenheim’s last ten matches have featured at least three goals
Prediction
Hoffenheim are in excellent home form, playing with cohesion and aggression. Leverkusen certainly have attacking firepower, but their defensive instability could haunt them again. Expect goals at both ends, but the hosts look slightly more likely to edge it.
