TSG Hoffenheim vs Darmstadt 98 Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Hoffenheim’s fortunes see them as surprise European contenders this season. However, coach Julian Nagelsmann was unable to celebrate his first year in charge as he watched his side fail to hold onto a first half lead in a 2-1 defeat away to VfL Wolfsburg last weekend – only their second loss of the season so far (W8 D10 L2).

Relegation strugglers Darmstadt 98 head into this off the back of a shock 2-1 win at home to Borussia Dortmund last weekend. However, the visitors should still provide Hoffenheim with a decent opportunity to return to winning ways, seeing as the Lillies are yet to earn a single point in any Bundesliga match on the road (L9).

TSG Hoffenheim are clear favourites here at 4/9 with bet365, but we feel there’s better value to be had backing “No Goal before 27:00” at 5/6 for the following reasons: excluding Darmstadt’s 6-1 thrashing against Cologne a few weeks back, where Cologne scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute, the Lillies have put up a number of “respectable” defensive performances in recent weeks – Darmstadt conceded both goals after the 74th minute in their 2-0 defeat away to Frankfurt and even held out Dortmund until the 44th minute last time out. Though Darmstadt have lost all of their away matches this season, they’ve conceded just 4 of their 22 goals on the road in the first 30 minutes (18%). Notably, Hoffenheim have also scored the majority (14) of their 20 goals at home after the first half hour (70%).

Regarding a correct score bet, Hoffenheim are unbeaten at home (W5 D5) and the visitors are without a point on the road (L9), so a home win should be on the cards here. Given Darmstadt have failed to score in 67% of their away matches (and all of their last three on the road) then it’s also reasonable to assume the hosts have a decent opportunity to win to nil here too (at 6/4 with bet365). Hoffenheim’s superior attacking form should wear Darmstadt down as the match goes on and backing a tidy 2-0 Hoffenheim win at 6/1 should have some decent value.