Sabasports Match Preview
Bundesliga: Hoffenheim vs FC Cologne
Kickoff Time: 2025-10-04 02:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Heiko Becker
This season, Hoffenheim has started with a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses. Considering that their defeats came against traditional powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, their league performance can be deemed acceptable. Among the newcomers, summer signings forward Tim Lemperle and defender Vladimir Coufal have already contributed goals and assists in the league, seamlessly integrating into the team’s tactical system. Forward Fisnik Asllani, who was on loan in the 2. Bundesliga last season, has shown significant growth, recording four goals and one assist in the league and becoming a key player for the team. According to season statistics, Hoffenheim averages 18.4 successful aerial duels, 11.2 tackles, and 35.2 clearances per game, ranking third in the league in all three categories. Meanwhile, they commit an average of 15 fouls per game, the second-highest in the league. This indicates that Hoffenheim excels at implementing zonal defense through extensive off-the-ball movement, even resorting to fouls to disrupt the opponent’s attacking rhythm. Once they regain possession, they quickly look to play long balls to their forwards. The team boasts several tall strikers, such as Asllani, who stands at 1.91 meters.
Cologne, last season’s 2. Bundesliga champions, started the season with two consecutive wins and managed a last-gasp draw against Wolfsburg. However, they have suffered two consecutive losses recently, suggesting that their tactics have been figured out by other Bundesliga teams. Due to limited financial resources, Cologne did not sign any star players during the summer transfer window. Instead, they lost their top two scorers, including Tim Lemperle, who joined their upcoming opponents, Hoffenheim. Compared to last season, Cologne’s strength has diminished rather than improved. Currently, the total market value of Cologne’s first-team squad is €80.28 million, ranking third-lowest in the Bundesliga, making them one of the favorites for relegation. Season statistics show that Cologne averages only 46% possession per game, the third-lowest in the league. They also complete just 3.8 successful dribbles per game, also the third-lowest, and make only 6.8 interceptions per game, the lowest in the league. This reflects the lack of distinctive features in their tactical approach.
There is already a noticeable gap in quality between the two teams. Considering that Tim Lemperle, a player of Cologne’s youth academy, has joined Hoffenheim, his familiarity with Cologne’s defensive strategies is likely to provide Hoffenheim with valuable insights to break down their opponent. This could further widen the gap between the two teams. Hoffenheim is expected to seize the opportunity to secure all three points at home.
Hoffenheim’s Last 5 Games: DLWLW
25-09-28 Freiburg 1-1 Hoffenheim
25-09-20 Hoffenheim 1-4 Bayern Munich
25-09-13 Union Berlin 2-4 Hoffenheim
25-08-30 Hoffenheim 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
25-08-23 Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Hoffenheim
FC Cologne’s Last 5 Games: LLDWW
25-09-28 FC Cologne 1-2 VfB Stuttgart
25-09-21 RB Leipzig 3-1 FC Cologne
25-09-13 Wolfsburg 3-3 FC Cologne
25-09-01 FC Cologne 4-1 Freiburg
25-08-24 Mainz 05 0-1 FC Cologne
Head-To-Head Record
24-02-12 Hoffenheim 1-1 FC Cologne
23-09-16 FC Cologne 1-3 Hoffenheim
23-04-22 Hoffenheim 1-3 FC Cologne
22-10-31 FC Cologne 1-1 Hoffenheim
22-03-07 FC Cologne 0-1 Hoffenheim
Prediction: Hoffenheim to win