In the two weeks of December, neither Borussia Dortmund nor Hoffenheim have managed to secure a victory for their fans. Hoffenheim are likely to find attacking opportunities given that the home team manager Nuri Şahin is facing a shortage of fit defenders.
Since 9 November, Borussia Dortmund have played six matches across all competitions, with four featuring 3+ goals. Against Barcelona (2:3) in the sixth round of the Champions League, the team lacked focus in the closing stages, although their xG of 2.73 surpassed that of La Liga's leaders (2.04). Dortmund remain formidable at home in the Bundesliga, having netted 19 goals in 7 matches. However, on Sunday, first-choice defenders Waldemar Anton, Niklas Süle, and Nico Schlotterbeck will miss out due to injuries.
After a debut win under their new manager against Leipzig (3:2), Hoffenheim have not tasted victory in five matches. In their clash with SC Freiburg (1:1), the team created 1.28 xG and shot more frequently at goal (15-11) but failed to capitalise. Hoffenheim are among the Bundesliga's bottom three for xGA (26.98), and their aggressive style allows opponents to exploit transitional errors.
Last season, Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim delivered two thrilling league encounters (3:1 and 2:3). The passionate support in Dortmund will create an atmosphere that favours the hosts, yet both sides are likely to produce dangerous attacks.
