Match Predictions: Borussia Dortmund face Hoffenheim in Key Bundesliga Clash | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund's hopes for Europe are still very much in play with only four games remaining in the 2024/2025 Bundesliga. The next "final" will be at Hoffenheim, where the Black-and-Yellows have had a lot of good memories in recent years. However, BVB has not had much luck in the past year, as Hoffenheim managed to stay unbeaten in the two most recent matches at the Signal Iduna Park in 2024.

Even with some injury concerns, Borussia Dortmund will head into this matchup with considerable promise following a solid run of wins and impressive performances overall against FC Barcelona and Borussia Mönchengladbach. With manager Niko Kovač seemingly settling into a formation and starting XI, BVB is finally extracting the best from its key players, which will be crucial against a shaken Hoffenheim side that has won only one of its past five matches.

I believe this will be a tough match-up for Dortmund, even though BVB is in better shape than their opponents. As a fair number of people know, this club is not always what we expect it to be, so I think this will be a tight game, but at the same time, I am excited to see if Kovač and company will be able to retain their current form. Here are some predictions for Hoffenheim away:

Players to Watch

Borussia Dortmund v Borussia Mönchengladbach - Bundesliga | Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

Arthur Chaves & Andrej Kramarić: The Brazilian Arthur Chaves had an outstanding performance in the 1-1 draw Dortmund had with Hoffenheim earlier this season, and he could be a problem for BVB's attack once again. Chaves does not particularly thrive in possession, according to FBref, but his stats in defensive actions impress and could make the Black-and-Yellows' life harder to score.

While I hate to be repetitive, Andrej Kramarić is the obvious choice for players to watch in Hoffenheim. The Croat has been a tough pill to swallow for BVB in recent history, as the Hoffenheim attacker has contributed 18 G/A contributions this season in all competitions. With a 0.54 non-penalty xG and xAG and 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, Kramarić needs to be contained at all costs.

Waldemar Anton & Carney Chukwuemeka: For the Black-and-Yellows, Waldemar Anton has been showcasing a way better form since Niko Kovač transitioned to a back-three system. The former Stuttgart player has been crucial in possession, as he was last season, and with a more structured backline alongside him, Anton will be a vital piece on both sides of the ball.

On the offensive side of the pitch, Carney Chukwuemeka has been gaining recent hype due to his past performances, as the young Brit has finally returned to full fitness. With all that in mind, BVB appears to be opening talks with Chelsea regarding a permanent deal following the end of his loan, which could see him stick around for a longer period. Now, with Pascal Groß and Maxi Beier likely missing this weekend's match, Chukwuemeka will be pivotal in helping create scoring chances.

Match Predictions

Borussia Dortmund v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Bundesliga | Leon Kuegeler/GettyImages

As for the match itself, Borussia Dortmund will face a difficult away match. I predict Hoffenheim will attempt to mirror Dortmund's back-three formation, like they did with BVB's back-four at the Signal Iduna Park in December. According to WhoScored, Hoffenheim tends to use a flank attack, primarily finishing their chances through the middle of the 18-yard box. Therefore, the Black-and-Yellows should be attentive to crosses and shots from outside the box.

At the same time, Hoffenheim is not as effective in set pieces at home as away, so there could be something that BVB could explore in this match. They also concede the most from open play, so if Dortmund repeats the good offensive patterns from the past few matches, the odds become more in favor of the visitors. Overall, I think it will be a hard-fought match, even against a struggling Hoffenheim side, but I predict BVB will punch it through with a 2-1 away victory.