Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim Prediction & Betting Tips (23 August)

Bayer Leverkusen kick off their Bundesliga campaign on August 23 with a home clash against Hoffenheim at the BayArena, and the reigning champions are looking to pick up where they left off. Under Erik ten Hag, who took over after Xabi Alonso’s departure, Leverkusen have undergone a tactical evolution, leaning into a more possession-heavy style with a three-man backline. The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar and Malik Tillman from Bayern Munich, while holding firm on key players like Piero Hincapié despite Premier League interest. Their preseason form has been solid, including a 3–0 win over Pisa and a 2–0 victory over Bochum, suggesting the squad is gelling well under Ten Hag’s guidance.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, enter the new season with cautious optimism after narrowly avoiding relegation last term. Christian Ilzer remains at the helm despite a rocky debut season, and the club has backed him with a flurry of summer signings. Leon Avdullahu, Wouter Burger, and Koki Machida have all arrived to reinforce the spine of the team, while Vladimir Coufal adds experience to the backline. The standout story, however, is the return of Fisnik Asllani and Muhammed Damar from loan spells, both of whom lit up the 2. Bundesliga last season. Hoffenheim’s preseason has been electric, winning all eight matches and scoring 40 goals, including an 8–0 demolition of Metz.

In terms of team news, Leverkusen will be without Victor Boniface, who is still regaining fitness, while Hoffenheim are missing several key players including Ozan Kabak and Dennis Geiger due to injury. Gift Orban is also negotiating a move away from Hoffenheim, further thinning their attacking options. Despite these setbacks, Hoffenheim’s young squad has shown resilience and fluidity in attack, with Asllani and Tim Lemperle stepping up in recent friendlies. Leverkusen, on the other hand, boast a more settled lineup and the advantage of home turf, where they’ve dominated Hoffenheim in recent meetings.

Given the form, squad depth, and historical edge, Leverkusen are expected to edge this one, but not without resistance. Hoffenheim’s renewed energy and attacking flair could see them snatch a goal, especially if Damar continues his creative streak. However, Leverkusen’s midfield control and clinical finishing should be enough to secure a narrow 2–1 victory. It’s a scoreline that reflects both teams’ trajectories—Leverkusen’s steady dominance and Hoffenheim’s spirited resurgence.