Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tips (17 January)

Forced to jostle last year to maintain its place in the elite, Hoffenheim displays a much more attractive face this season. Better yet, TSG is more than ever in the running to try to secure a place in the top 4 of this Bundesliga, which would be synonymous with qualification for the Champions League. Christian Ilzer's men occupy a very good 5th place in the standings, only 2 points behind 4th place, with a game in hand. Largely victorious over Hamburg in December 4-1, Hoffe's players were held to a 0-0 draw by Stuttgart before seeing their scheduled match against Werder postponed last weekend. For their debut in 2026, however, they outclassed Borussia Mönchengladbach 5-1 on Wednesday evening to build up a lot of confidence before this shock. Bayer Leverkusen ultimately did not play this week.

While he was supposed to go to the Hamburg field, the Usine 11 saw his match postponed due to the snowy episode which affected the North East of Germany in recent days. As a result, with its late match, this team has logically lost its place in the top 4 of the ranking. It must be said that Kasper Hjumland's men missed their entry into contention in 2026 with a big defeat against Stuttgart 1-4 last weekend. Before the break, the Bayer Leverkusen players showed a much more attractive face to defeat Cologne 2-0 and Leipzig 1-3. 

For Hoffenheim, the defender Japanese Machida should once again resolve to stay out of the group, injured. Little or no use Hlozek and Campell are also forced to withdraw this Saturday. Otherwise, everyone is available for this team which does not lack offensive assets.

And for good reason, we find in the group the very good striker Asllani (6 goals, 3 assists in the Bundesliga), the formidable Prömel (5 goals, 2 assists), Lemperle (6 goals, 2 assists), Burger (3 goals, 4 assists) and Kramaric (6 goals, 3 assists). The latter remains on a hat-trick scored Tuesday against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

• Summary: TSG Hoffenheim is going head to head with Bayer 04 Leverkusen starting on 17 Jan 2026 at 14:30 UTC at PreZero Arena stadium, Sinsheim city, Germany. The match is a part of the Bundesliga .
• Referee: Daniel Schlager