FORTUNA DUSSELDORF'S impressive unbeaten run came crashing to a spectacular end with a 5-0 loss to rampant Bayern Munich and they need to get back on track quickly when Hoffenheim come calling.
A run of six Bundesliga games without defeat had boosted hopes of survival but Fortuna are still in the relegation play-off spot and a rejuvenated Werder Bremen now sit just two points behind them.
Nobody expected Uwe Rosler's men to take anything from the Allianz Arena but the manner of their defeat might dent morale for the run-in, with a tricky game up next against a Hoffenheim side who have rediscovered their mojo.
Hoffenheim only took a point from their first two games back but have since won two on the spin, helping me cash in when I backed them to defeat Mainz last time out.
Alfred Schreuder's side are hunting down a Europa League spot, with Wolfsburg above them only on goal difference in the final qualification place, so this is a match where both sides need the points.
How the bookies view it
This is a tough one to call and it's reflected in the odds, with Hoffenheim slight favourites at 20/13 with VBet while a Fortuna win is a best 9/5 with Unibet. Five of Fortuna's last seven games have ended in draws so a stalemate might be the value bet at 13/5 with Bet365.
Recent head to head
These teams have only met five times before and it's honours even, with a win apiece and three draws. The last two matches ended 1-1 in Hoffenheim, while Fortuna won 2-1 in the last meeting at the Merkur Spiel-Arena (below).
Three of their five meetings have finished 1-1 so if you're big on stats a punt on a repeat of that scoreline will appeal at 13/2 with BetVictor.
Players to watch
Kenan Karaman delivered for me when Fortuna beat Schalke at home and I'll stick by the Turk for this one. He has five goals in his last seven games and is 13/5 with 888Sport for another goal here.
Munas Dabbur drew a blank when I tipped him to score last week but the Israeli is now approaching match fitness after three run-outs since his return from injury. He's too good a finisher to go so long without scoring so I'll back him again at 39/20 with 888Sport.
Anything else catch the eye?
A penalty settled the game in Fortuna's favour when they last hosted Hoffenheim so try backing a spot-kick to be awarded at 5/2 with 888Sport.
Hoffenheim's Robert Skov has five assists in the Bundesliga this season and the Dane is a tempting 14/5 with Ladbrokes for another here.
This German Bundesliga match between Fortuna Dusseldorf and Hoffenheim will be played on Jun 6, 2020 and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Fortuna Dusseldorf vs Hoffenheim prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
