Borussia Dortmund host Hoffenheim in the culmination of Round 13, which also happens to be a direct clash for a place in the Top 4.
Over the last week, Borussia Dortmund had to endure back-to-back clashes with rivals Bayer Leverkusen. The positive is that BVB prevailed in the Bundesliga clash. The negative is that they are out of the DFB Pokal after losing the second match. But this also means the team can now focus all efforts into the league games.
Dortmund remain unbeaten at home in the Bundesliga, and managed to keep their sheet clean in three out of five matches. However, the two times they conceded goals led to draws, which means that the Black and Yellows aren’t immune to mistakes and the visitors can feel confident.
Hoffenheim boast one of their best Bundesliga starts, as this is their highest points haul since 2008. Sitting just two behind Dortmund, Christian Ilzer's team is unbeaten in the last six league games, out of which they have won five.
Surprisingly, Hoffenheim are also the best visitors in the league, as they have accumulated 14 points in six away games this season, making them the only unbeaten team on the road besides Bayern Munich.
How the bookies view it: Dortmund don't lose at Signal Iduna Park
Bookmakers do not believe that Hoffenheim’s exceptional form will be enough to help them survive the trip to Signal Iduna Park. As expected, Borussia Dortmund are betting favourites, but the odds are surprisingly low at 13/20. For comparison, Hoffenheim are available at 15/4, while the draw has been priced at 7/2.
Recent head-to-head: All about Dortmund
Hoffenheim have had little luck in games against Borussia Dortmund in recent years, only winning one of the last 10 H2Hs. In that period, BVB won seven times. However, Hoffenheim’s most recent triumph in this rivalry came at this stadium two seasons ago.
Players to watch: Adeyemi is in top form
Dortmund’s squad is full of young talent, but few players have left a lasting impression this season, despite the good results. Among those few, we can highlight Karim Adeyemi, who is en-route to recording his best Bundesliga campaign since joining Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old already has four goals to his name in the competition, but his current form is what matters most. Before the latest DFB Pokal match, Adeyemi scored in three consecutive games.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Anselmino, Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson, Brandt, Adeyemi, Guirassy
Hoffenheim: Baumann, Coufal, Hranac, Hadjari, Bernardo, Avdullahu, Promel, Burger, Kramaric, Toure, Lemperie
Anything else catch the eye?
Recent H2Hs have been exciting for various reasons. For example, we saw both teams score in four of the last five. On a side note, Niko Kovac’s last 10 personal H2Hs against Hoffenheim all had goals from both teams.
Hoffenheim have not kept a clean sheet against Dortmund in 11 consecutive games and we expect the streak to continue, but we also expect goals from the visitors. The Kraichgauers are third in goals scored in the league this season with 25, which is four more than Dortmund’s 21.
You can also consider betting on Borussia to score first, as they did it in nine of the last 10 H2Hs. With this match being played at Signal Iduna Park, it makes even more sense.
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