As Borussia Dortmund gears up for a critical Bundesliga clash against TSG Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena on Saturday, April 26, 2025, all eyes will be on the players to deliver a performance that could bolster their European qualification hopes. Currently sitting seventh in the league with 45 points, Dortmund is looking to build on their recent momentum following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on April 20.
In contrast, Hoffenheim finds themselves precariously perched just above the relegation zone in 15th place with 30 points. After suffering a setback with a 3-2 loss to SC Freiburg on April 19, they will be eager to secure a win that could inch them closer to safety.
Kickoff for the match is set for 9:30 AM ET / 6:30 AM PT, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. The stakes are high as both teams aim to make a statement in this pivotal matchup.
For Borussia Dortmund, coach Niko Kovač is expected to field a lineup that includes goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who has been under pressure to deliver a clean sheet after a long drought since early March. The defensive line is likely to feature Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini, with Anton earning praise for his recent performances.
In midfield, Yan Couto is anticipated to take the right wing-back position, supported by Felix Nmecha, who is making a timely return from injury, and Carney Chukwuemeka, who played a crucial role in Dortmund's last match. Julian Brandt, despite a lackluster season, is expected to start due to limited options, while Daniel Svensson rounds out the midfield as a left wing-back. Up front, Serhou Guirassy, the team's leading scorer with 16 goals this season, will be joined by the speedy Karim Adeyemi.
Hoffenheim, on the other hand, faces significant challenges with key players missing. Tom Bischof is suspended, while Diadie Samassekou and Grischa Prömel are sidelined with injuries. This could lead to a midfield pairing of Anton Stach and Dennis Geiger, while the defense will likely consist of Arthur Chaves, Kevin Akpoguma, and Stanley N'Soki. Haris Tabakovic is set to lead the line in attack.
The two teams have faced each other 36 times in all competitions, with Dortmund holding the edge with 17 wins compared to Hoffenheim's 8, alongside 11 draws. The previous encounter this season ended in a 1-1 stalemate, but Dortmund will be eager to improve upon that result.
Statistically, Dortmund has scored 57 goals this season, ranking fourth in the league, while Hoffenheim has netted 38, placing them 13th. Defensively, Dortmund has allowed 47 goals, whereas Hoffenheim has conceded 55. These figures paint a picture of the contrasting fortunes both teams have experienced this season.
As the match approaches, Dortmund's recent form shines bright; they have won three of their last four Bundesliga games and are unbeaten in that stretch. This resurgence comes after a difficult patch earlier in the season, and the team now appears to be hitting their stride at a crucial juncture.
"The way we have scored points makes me feel very positive. I’m not the only one who sees a steady upward trend. We have to do our homework. There is no point in looking at the rest of the league or the teams ahead. We have to win to keep up the pressure," said Kovač, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim's coach Christian Ilzer is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. "It will be a difficult match, Hoffenheim plays very aggressive football, now with a defense of three and five. For us, that also means we have to play with good foot in attack to unbalance the opponent," he remarked, highlighting the need for tactical discipline against a formidable Dortmund side.
Hoffenheim has struggled against Dortmund in recent encounters, having lost their last four home matches against them. However, the team recently broke a long winless streak at home with a 2-0 victory over Mainz, which could provide a much-needed boost in confidence.
Dortmund's attacking prowess has been on display recently, with 12 goals scored in their last four matches. However, defensive lapses have also been evident, as they have conceded six goals in that same timeframe. The ability to tighten up at the back will be crucial if they hope to secure all three points.
As the teams take to the field, the atmosphere at the PreZero Arena is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans eager to see their teams clinch a vital victory. Dortmund's recent success on the road will be put to the test against a Hoffenheim side desperate to secure their Bundesliga status.
With the match set to kick off shortly, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this high-stakes encounter unfolds. Will Dortmund continue their push for European qualification, or will Hoffenheim find a way to secure a crucial win? Only time will tell as the action unfolds.
