Prediction: Hoffenheim vs Koln

Verdict: Jhon Córdoba to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

With German football once again taking center stage in midweek, a struggling Hoffenheim will welcome Koln to an empty PreZero Arena on Wednesday night.

Hoffenheim

Starting with the hosts, having to settle for a point away at rock-bottom Paderborn over the weekend and continuing to show plenty of cause for concern since returning from the enforced break, Hoffenheim find themselves in the midst of an extended rut. Marking their return to action with what was a woeful 3-0 drumming at home against Hertha Berlin last week, the Blues have continued falling away from the European race and find the mood in their camp at a continued low. Enduring their worst run in recent memory and questions really starting to be asked of Head Coach Alfred Schreuder, Die Kraichgauer have failed to win any of their last eight matches across all competitions, a run highlighted by a 6-0 hammering against defending champions Bayern Munich. Along with showing some glaring issues at the back since opening 2020, there is no doubt that fans around Sinsheim will be hugely concerned by their side’s continued issues on home soil. Now losing their last three Bundesliga matches at the PreZero Arena, their worst run since November 2013, Hoffenheim have also won just two of their last nine matchups when hosting.

Team News

Hoffenheim have confirmed that they will be unable to call upon Croatian international Andrej Kramarić who is struggling with an ankle injury. The Blues will also be without Ishak Belfodil who is still dealing with a knee problem.

Elsewhere, both Sargis Adamyan (ankle) and Kostas Stafylidis (muscular) remain a doubt for Wednesday’s contest.

Koln

As for the visitors, while Koln may have been hugely outplayed against Fortuna Dusseldorf over the weekend, Markus Gisdol’s side once again showed what is becoming trademark resolve. Bagging a pair of late goals and snatching a point against the relegation scrappers, the Billy Goats have played out back-to-back 2-2 draws since returning from the enforced break. Once again sneaking back into the top half of the Bundesliga standings after losing just one of their last six top-flight appearances, there is no doubt that Koln should be boosted by some noteworthy performances away from the RheinEnergieStadion. Despite being hit with a 2-1 defeat when they faced off against Hoffenheim earlier in the season, Wednesday’s guests have won three of their last five matchups on their travels, a run highlighted by a stunning 5-0 romp against Hertha Berlin. Bagging a 91st-minute equalizer against Fortuna over the weekend, Gisdol will be glad to see Jhon Córdoba make a return to scoring ways. With eight goals in his last 10 top-flight outings, the 27-year-old will once again lead the line in midweek.

Team News

Aside from Marcel Risse who still remains out with a knee injury, Koln have a full squad to pick from in midweek.

Despite midfielder Niklas Hauptmann dealing with a minor groin injury, the 23-year-old is expected to play some part on Wednesday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• Hoffenheim have lost their last three Bundesliga matchups on home soil for the first time since November 2013.
• However, including a 2-1 win earlier in the season, Wednesday’s hosts have won each of their last three meetings against Koln.
• The Billy Goats have landed back-to-back 2-2 draws since returning from the enforced break.
• Koln’s Jhon Córdoba has eight goals in his last 10 Bundesliga outings.
• The Whites have also won three of their last five Bundesliga matches on the road, including a 5-0 win against Hertha Berlin.

Conclusion

While Hoffenheim might hold a stellar record against Wednesday’s guests, there is no doubt that Koln will be fancying an upset in midweek. With the Blues in the midst of their worst home record since 2013 after losing their last three Bundesliga matchups at the PreZero Arena, leading marksman Jhon Córdoba should be relishing a trip to Die Kraichgauer in midweek. Once again finding the net last weekend, the 27-year-old has eight goals in his last 10 top-flight appearances and we’re backing Koln’s MVP to extend on his tally on Wednesday night.

Verdict: Jhon Córdoba to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365