German Bundesliga
2025-08-23 - Bayer Leverkusen vs TSG Hoffenheim
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: Bundesliga
Bay Arena – Leverkusen
Saturday, 23rd August 2025 - kickoff 15:30 CET
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen arrive in this new season still in a transition phase. After their unbeaten 2023/24 title-winning season for the ages, they dropped to second behind Bayern Munich last season.
This summer, Erik ten Hag took over as head coach, bringing new ideas but also a fresh learning curve for the squad. Expect them to be testing the new system early in the season.
Bayer Leverkusen should be contenders, but Erik ten Hag is not Xabi Alonso, so if they manage to sneak among the top five teams, that would be a major success this season.
I rank them much weaker than last season, also considering that the best German player and their captain, Florian Wirtz, also left for Liverpool.
TSG Hoffenheim
TSG Hoffenheim finished just above the relegation line last season; only three points more saved them from embarrassment. However, I still expect them to struggle this season. Don’t see them much improved, so a bottom-half finish is again on the cards, although they perhaps will finish better than last season’s 15th place.
Their summer brought modest moves, and their midfield still struggles under pressure. This game feels like a reality check for them - if they can stay compact and catch Bayer Leverkusen out on the break, there might be a story here, but on paper, Bayer Leverkusen should dominate.
TSG Hoffenheim has conceded twice or more in their most recent five games, so we will see if they show an improved defensive display in this match.
The Betting Verdict
Bayer Leverkusen have won all of the last five duels against TSG Hoffenheim, scoring twice or more in each of those convincing wins. Last season, they nailed them 1-4 away and 3-1 at home.
Go for Bayer Leverkusen to win here, but be careful with the goals – they are still adjusting under Erik Ten Hag, so don’t expect fireworks just yet.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 TSG Hoffenheim
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Bayer Leverkusen to win at odds of 1.53 at BetFred
