Currently sitting 10th with 7 points, Hoffenheim have shown strong overall form despite some inconsistency, recording 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last 10 matches. Their high win rate highlights their potential, but back-to-back defeats to Bayern and Frankfurt have exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Squad-wise, midfielder Wout Weghorst is a doubt, while several defenders — including Valentin Gendrey, Heintz Behrens, Adam Hložek, and Kouki Machida — are sidelined, leaving their backline stretched. Offensively, Hoffenheim rely on Andrej Kramarić and Bazu M’Baye Touré, and while home advantage boosts their chances, squad depth could be an issue.
Cologne, meanwhile, sit 7th also on 7 points, with a record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws from their last 10 matches, underlining their steady form. They too come off two consecutive defeats (against Stuttgart and RB Leipzig), but prior to that enjoyed strong wins over Freiburg and Mainz. In terms of personnel, defender Luca Kilian is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear, while Butler (Achilles tendon) and Rick van den Berg (shoulder) are also unavailable, leaving their defense weakened. In attack, Linton Maina and Jakub Kamiński provide pace and counter-attacking threat.
With both teams level on points and similar in overall quality, this clash is finely balanced. Hoffenheim’s home advantage is a key factor, but their defensive injury list could give Cologne chances on the break. Even so, Hoffenheim’s attacking edge at home tips the scales slightly in their favor. Expected scoreline: 2–1 Hoffenheim.
Prediction: Home Win (Hoffenheim)
