Hoffenheim vs SV Darmstadt
Bundesliga
Tuesday
19th December 2023
WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Hoffenheim and SV Darmstadt.
Hoffenheim vs SV Darmstadt: Preview
Hoffenheim form analysis
Hoffenheim’s recent Bundesliga form has been inconsistent. On November 11th, they drew 1-1 away to Augsburg after taking an early lead through new signing Wout Weghorst before conceding in the second half. The following week on November 26th, Hoffenheim were again forced to split the points in a 1-1 home draw with Mainz despite equalizing through Robert Skov shortly after halftime. Hoffenheim then faced Borussia Mönchengladbach on December 2nd and suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat, as Weghorst equalized but a late winner from Ngoumou saw them leave empty-handed.
The next match on December 9th did bring a positive result as Hoffenheim cruised past struggling Bochum 3-1 for an important victory, with an own goal setting them on their way before Andrej Kramarić and Ihlas Bebou added gloss late on. However, momentum stalled again last Friday as Hoffenheim fell 3-1 away to high-flying RB Leipzig, leveling early in the second half through Ozan Kabak but ultimately outclassed on the day. Over this spell, new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has aimed to implement his ideas but Hoffenheim are still searching for consistency. Addressing their struggles on the road and shaky defense could help Hoffenheim gain that week-to-week consistency they’ve lacked.
SV Darmstadt form analysis
Promoted side Darmstadt has found it difficult in recent Bundesliga matches after a promising start to the season. On November 11th they managed a credible goalless home draw with Mainz. However, on November 25th they fell to a narrow 1-1 draw away to top-four contenders Freiburg, taking a shock early lead through Mathias Honsak before ultimately being pegged back by Lucas Höler. Darmstadt then hosted FC Köln on December 2nd hoping to get back to winning ways. But a 60th minute goal from veteran striker Davie Selke saw them defeated 1-0.
The struggles continued on December 9th away to fellow promoted side Heidenheim, as despite equalizing twice through Tobias Kempe and a Lukas Maloney own goal, Darmstadt ultimately came out on the wrong side of a five-goal thriller. Most recently on December 16th, Darmstadt returned home but were again on the losing side. Falling 1-0 to Wolfsburg after conceding to Lovro Majer midway through the second half. Over this difficult spell, Darmstadt has struggled to create consistent threat in attack while leaking goals at the other end. They will hope to recapture their early season form and ability to grind out results as they battle to avoid relegation.
