Hoffenheim host Stuttgart in a high-stakes early-season clash. Christian Ilzer’s side are still searching for their first Bundesliga point after successive 3-2 defeats (to Köln and Borussia Dortmund), while Sebastian Hoeneß’s Stuttgart arrive with momentum after a 4-1 league win over Köln and a 3-1 Champions League victory over Viking (where Ermedin Demirović scored a hat-trick).

Form & Context

• Hoffenheim: LL in the league (4 goals scored, 6 conceded). They have led at half-time in both games but collapsed defensively. Desperate for a first win.
• Stuttgart: LW in the league (5 goals scored, 6 conceded). Strong response after a heavy loss to Bayern, boosted by European success.

Recent H2H has been tight — four consecutive draws, including a 3-3 thriller in May 2026. The last decisive result was a Stuttgart win in 2024.

Team News

Hoffenheim
Key concerns: Tim Lemperle and Fisnik Asllani are doubts/out with injuries. Andrej Kramarić is available and pushing for a start. Valentin Gendrey and Koki Machida remain long-term absentees.

Possible XI (4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1): Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Rots; Avdullahu, Burger; Wimmer, Daghim; Hložek, Kramarić.

Stuttgart
Growing injury list: Zagadou, Nartey, Assignon, Seimen, Jaquez, Arévalo and others out. Demirović is in excellent form. Führich has returned.

Possible XI (4-2-3-1): Bredlow; Jeltsch/Vagnoman, Chabot, Mittelstädt, Vagnoman; Prömel, Stiller; Leweling, El Khannouss, Undav; Demirović.

Key Battles & Outlook

Both teams have been involved in open, high-scoring games. Hoffenheim’s home attacking threat (Wimmer, Hložek, Kramarić) meets Stuttgart’s clinical finishing and midfield control (Stiller, Demirović). Expect goals, with BTTS and Over 2.5 looking strong.

Stuttgart’s recent confidence and Demirović’s scoring form give them a slight edge, despite the short turnaround from midweek European action.

Prediction

Hoffenheim 1-2 Stuttgart

Stuttgart should edge a lively encounter and leave Sinsheim with all three points.