PADERBORN are running out of time if they want to launch a great escape and need to take something against Hoffenheim to start their climb to safety in the Bundesliga.
The bottom dogs had a great chance to make a statement in their first game back when they faced Fortuna Dusseldorf, who sit two places above them in the play-off slot.
But they could only manage a 0-0 stalemate, keeping them six points behind Fortuna and 10 clear of automatic safety. Having only managed four wins all season, Paderborn need to start chalking up more victories and they may fancy their chances at home to mid-table Hoffenheim.
I tipped Hoffenheim to return with a draw at home to Hertha Berlin last weekend but instead they crashed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat.
That made it seven games without a win in the Bundesliga so Paderborn will see this game as the ideal chance to get their survival bid up and running.
How the bookies view it
Despite their dismal form, Hoffenheim are the favourites for this one at 11/10 with most firms while a Paderborn win is a best 23/10 with William Hill. The draw is tempting at 17/6 with VBet but I think the bottom team might just edge this one as they have more to play for.
Recent head to head
These sides have only met five times and Hoffenheim clearly have the edge, winning four of those games. The best Paderborn could manage was a 0-0 draw at home in 2015 and they have never scored against Hoffenheim.
The most recent meeting ended in a 3-0 home win for Hoffenheim earlier this season (below) with all three goals coming in the first 25 minutes.
Players to watch
Streli Mamba has been Paderborn's top scorer this season, with six goals, but he was left on the bench against Fortuna last week. He wasn't even among the five subs brought on so that suggests he is struggling for fitness.
Dennis Srbeny looks a better Paderborn bet in the anytime scorer market at 12/5 with Bet365. He has five for the season and three of those have come in the last five games.
With star strikers Munas Dabbour and Andrej Kramaric injured, Ihlas Bebou led the line for Hoffenheim last weekend but was subbed at the break after a poor display.
His place was taken by teenager Maximilian Beier and Paddy Power price the youngster at 5/2 for a goal here. But I'm more inclined to back Swiss midfielder Steven Zuber who's a tempting 4/1 with Ladbrokes.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have been struggling in front of goal, with Hoffenheim netting just twice in their last four matches and Paderborn only managing three in their last four games. So I'd go for under 2.5 match goals which is a decent 29/20 with Betfair and 7/5 at Paddy Power.
A 0-0 half-time score is 5/2 with Paddy Power and that could easily come up while Ladbrokes quote 15/8 on under 1.5 goals in the first half, under 2.5 goals in the second half and either side to win.
This German Bundesliga match between Paderborn and Hoffenheim will be played on May 23, 2020 and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Paderborn vs Hoffenheim prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
