Bundesliga | Gameweek 23

Feb 23, 2025 at 6.30pm UK

DnB NOR Arena

Hoffenheim vs Stuttgart

Match preview

Trailing 1-0 to Werder Bremen after just seven minutes, the hosts scored twice from the edge of the area to take a 2-1 lead into half-time, and their clinical display in front of goal earned them their fifth win of the 2024/25 season.

It should be noted that Hoffenheim have scored 15 goals in their last seven games, the same number they had scored in their previous 18.

The Kraichgauer are just one place above Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, but they have a seven-point advantage over their relegation rivals.

Coach Christian Ilzer has guided his side to three wins and a draw in their last seven matches and two wins and a draw in their last five league games, with only two teams in the bottom nine picking up more points in that time.

However, Hoffenheim are winless in their last seven home games and have lost four of their last five at the PreZero Arena.

Stuttgart only created two real chances against Wolfsburg and while they will be disappointed with their attacking display, they will also be frustrated that they squandered a one-goal lead in the 72nd minute.

The visitors have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven matches, conceding 12 goals and scoring nine in the process.

Die Roten were held to a 1-1 draw by Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on 6 October, a game in which they only managed to salvage a point thanks to Ermedin Demirovic's 99th-minute equaliser.

Manager Sebastian Hoeness has seen his side lose four of their last six away games, winning two, and has overseen three defeats in their last four top-flight outings.

Stuttgart's away record is strong, having won five of their last six games.

Recent Performance

Hoffenheim Bundesliga form:LWDLLW

Hoffenheim form (all competitions):LDWLLW

Stuttgart Bundesliga form:WWLLWL

Stuttgart form (all competitions):LLLWWL

Team News

Hoffenheim's injury crisis continues to bite, with midfielders Diadie Samassekou, Grischa Promel and Umut Tohumcu all out, leaving Anton Stach and Finn Ole Becker as the most likely pairing for a double pivot.

Centre-backs Arthur Chaves and Leo Ostigard both started against Werder Bremen and will almost certainly be called upon to lead the defence on Sunday with Christopher Lenz, Ozan Kabak and Valentin Gendrey all injured.

In attack, Inzler could select a frontline of Tom Bischof, Andrej Kramaric, Marius Bulter and Gift Orban with Adam Hlozek and Ihlas Bebou unavailable.

As for Stuttgart, defenders Ameen Al Dakhil and Dan-Axel Zagadou are not expected back until March and May respectively.

In their place, the visitors could field a defence comprising Johsa Vagnoman, Julian Chabot, Ramon Hendriks and Maximilian Mittelstadt.

Striker El Bilal Toure could make his comeback from a broken ankle at the end of March, but expect Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade to combine in the final third on Sunday.

Possible starting lineup

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Philipp; Kaderabek, Chaves, Ostigard, Prass; Stach, Becker; Bischof, Kramaric, Bulter; Orban

Stuttgart possible starting lineup:

Nubel; Vagnoman, Chabot, Hendriks, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, Woltemade