Hoffenheim welcomes Dortmund for maiden home encounter.

Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund kicks off at 14:30 [GMT+1] on Saturday, September 5, at the PreZero Arena. Hoffenheim suffered a 3-2 loss to Koln on Match Day 1 and will be looking to pick up a victory when they welcome the BVB for their maiden home fixture of the season. While they have picked up one win from their last two home Bundesliga matches, their longer-term record at the PreZero Arena is particularly encouraging. The hosts have remained unbeaten in 12 of their last 14 home Bundesliga matches, demonstrating that they are difficult to overcome on their own ground. However, their defensive record could be a concern, with Hoffenheim conceding an average of 3.00 goals in their Bundesliga matches. The head-to-head record provides another interesting angle. Hoffenheim have suffered three defeats in their last six Bundesliga meetings against Borussia Dortmund, meaning Dortmund have enjoyed the better results across the recent encounters between the teams. However, Hoffenheim's strong home record suggests the hosts should not be dismissed. One interesting stat is that both teams are the league’s top two when it comes to headed goals. Since the start of last season, TSG have scored 14 headed goals. Only the visitors have done better during this period, with 15 goals. A 4—4—2 formation with Adam Hlozek and Tim Lemperle in attack is expected against the visitors. Andrej Kramaric is in doubt for this fixture.

Dortmund conceded only 8 shots on the opening day of the season, the fewest in the league, when they picked on a 2-0 win over Hamburg. Hence, they enter this fixture in excellent form. They have achieved three consecutive Bundesliga victories, giving them plenty of momentum heading into their trip to Hoffenheim. Their broader league record is equally impressive, with Dortmund unbeaten in 30 of their last 35 Bundesliga matches. They have also won 80 percent of their previous five Bundesliga outings, highlighting their consistency in recent weeks. Dortmund's attacking consistency in this fixture is particularly notable. The visitors have scored at least one goal in each of their last 14 away meetings with Hoffenheim in all competitions. Goals could once again be expected when these sides meet. Borussia Dortmund's last three away Bundesliga meetings with Hoffenheim have all produced over 2.5 goals, while Hoffenheim's average of 3.00 goals conceded per Bundesliga match further strengthens the possibility of another high-scoring encounter. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Serhou Guirassy in attack is expected against the home side. Samuele Inácio is suspended for this weekend trip to Hoffenhiem.