Sabasports Match
Preview
Bundesliga: Borussia
Mönchengladbach vs Hoffenheim
Kickoff Time: 2023-12–02 22:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/LEON
KUEGELER
This season, Borussia Mönchengladbach haves shown a trend of
starting slowly and gradually improving. They averaged 0.4 points per game in
the first five matches but increased to an average of 1.57 points per game in
the last seven matches. The team went through a period of adjustment after summer
signings, which contributed to the initial struggles. In terms of tactics,
Mönchengladbach emphasize quick counter-attacks and
frequently delivers key passes from midfield to the wings, averaging 11.3 key
passes per game, the fourth highest in the league. Like most Bundesliga teams,
they also focus on midfield duels, leading the league in clearances with an
average of 24.3 per game, and ranking sixth with an average of 16.8 tackles per
game. Goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas has been outstanding, making an average of 4.7
saves per game, the most in the Bundesliga. So far in the league,
Mönchengladbach have scored 25 goals, tied for the fifth highest. Twelve
different players have contributed goals, making it difficult for opponents to
defend against them.
On the other hand, Hoffenheim have had a strong start
to the season, averaging 2.14 points per game in the first seven matches.
However, their form has dipped recently, with an average of only one point per game in
the last five matches, largely due to injury concerns. In this match, their
midfield core, Grischa Prömel, will be suspended due to accumulated yellow
cards. He has been a regular starter, contributing two goals and three assists so far,
and his absence will require Hoffenheim to reorganize their midfield. In terms
of tactics, Hoffenheim prefers ball possession and immediately applies pressure
if they lose it, often resorting to fouls to disrupt the opponent’s attacking
rhythm. They have received 34 yellow cards so far, the fourth-highest in the
Bundesliga. Striker Maximilian Beier is their top scorer with 6 goals, but he
has been in a goal drought in recent matches, going five games without scoring.
Hoffenheim’s defensive weakness is evident as they have only kept one clean
sheet in the league.
Considering the overall form, Mönchengladbach are on an upward
trajectory while Hoffenheim is on a downward trend. Additionally, Hoffenheim
will miss their midfield core. Looking at their recent head-to-head record,
Mönchengladbach have won all three of their previous encounters. With the
support of their home fans, it is expected that Mönchengladbach will continue
their strong performance and secure all three points.
Borussia
Mönchengladbach’s Last 5 Games:
23-11-25 Borussia
Dortmund 4-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach
23-11-11 Borussia
Mönchengladbach 4-0 Wolfsburg
23-11-04 Freiburg 3-3
Borussia Mönchengladbach
23-11-01 Borussia
Mönchengladbach 3-1 FC Heidenheim
23-10-28 Borussia
Mönchengladbach 2-1 FC Heidenheim
Hoffenheim’s Last
5 Games:
23-11-27 Hoffenheim
1-1 Mainz
23-11-11 Augsburg 1-1
Hoffenheim
23-11-04 Hoffenheim
2-3 Bayer
Leverkusen
23-11-02 Borussia
Dortmund 1-0 Hoffenheim
23-11-28 VfB Stuttgart 2-3 Hoffenheim
Head To Head
Record:
23-01-28 Hoffenheim
1-4 Borussia Mönchengladbach
22-08-06 Borussia Monchengladbach
3-1 Hoffenheim
22-05-14 Borussia
Mönchengladbach 5-1 Hoffenheim
21-12-18 Hoffenheim
1-1 Borussia Mönchengladbach
21-04-22 Hoffenheim
3-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Prediction: Borussia Mönchengladbach to win