TSG Hoffenheim vs Cologne Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Though Hoffenheim stand alongside league leaders RB Leipzig as the only other side to avoid defeat so far this season (W5 D7), a run of three draws, including last weekend’s 1-1 draw away to Borussia M’gladbach, has seen them drop down to sixth in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim are, evidently, much improved since the relegation zone struggles of last season and Julian Nagelsmann’s fluid 3-5-2 formation has been causing teams all kinds of problems – Hoffenheim were even able to hold reigning champions Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw away at the Allianz Arena just before the international break.

Meanwhile, Cologne dominated proceedings at home to FC Augsburg last Saturday, but ended the match frustrated with a goalless 0-0 draw. Cologne are able to boast the record of conceding the joint fewest goals of all sides in the Bundesliga so far this season (8 goals) and striker Anthony Modeste (pictured above) is the second top scorer in the Bundesliga (12 goals from 12 appearances). Though he failed to get himself on the score-sheet last time out, he’s in top form and had scored eight goals in his six Bundesliga matches prior. He’d be a decent shout for an anytime scorer bet here at 11/8.

Unbeaten and with the home advantage, Hoffenheim are the bookies’ favourites ahead of this match at 1/1. However, despite Hoffenheim’s decent form at home (W3 D3), there is a far more notable trend that leads us towards backing a draw at 12/5 here. Statistically, Hoffenheim versus Cologne is the perfect match-up in which to bet the draw: Hoffenheim have drawn 7 of their 12 total matches (58%) and 3 of their 6 home matches (59%) so far. Meanwhile, Cologne are also notorious for being a “stubborn” side who frequently hold the hosting team to a draw. Cologne have ended both of the last two Bundesliga seasons with more draws than any other side (13) and Cologne have drawn in 8 of their 15 away matches (53%) in 2016 (W4 D8 L3). Combine the above with the recent head-2-head trend of 4 draws in the last 6 meetings between them and we should be looking at a very profitable bet.

Regarding a correct score bet, two of the last three meetings in Hoffenheim between them have ended 1-1. Given Hoffenheim have also drawn 1-1 in two of their last four Bundesliga matches, we feel a bet on a 1-1 draw at 11/2 has to also be worth a shot here.