Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Prediction, Match Preview: This Bundesliga clash is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January, at the PreZero Arena. Hoffenheim will look to capitalise on their home advantage against Union Berlin in what promises to be an engaging encounter. Both sides have demonstrated competitive form in the league, making this fixture particularly intriguing for supporters and bettors alike.

The PreZero Arena will host this key Bundesliga fixture, where Hoffenheim aims to secure vital points against a resilient Union Berlin side. With both teams eager to climb the league table, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. As the action unfolds, spectators can expect a closely contested battle on the pitch.

Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Hoffenheim to Win	1.79

Given the current form and circumstances, our recommended betting tip is to back Hoffenheim to win. Hoffenheim’s recent home record has been impressive, and their attacking prowess has been evident. Union Berlin’s inconsistency away from home and their current injury issues further tip the balance in favour of a Hoffenheim victory.

• Hoffenheim have won three of their last five home matches, demonstrating strong home form.
• Union Berlin’s defensive weaknesses were evident in their recent 2-2 draw against Mainz 05.
• Key injuries for Union Berlin leave them without crucial players, giving Hoffenheim an advantage.

Betting Odds

Hoffenheim enter this Bundesliga fixture as favourites, with odds of 1.79 reflecting their strong home advantage at the PreZero Arena. Union Berlin, meanwhile, are considered underdogs at 4.29, but their potential for an upset should not be underestimated given their recent performances.

Betting Tip	Odds
Hoffenheim to win	1.79
Draw	3.71
Union Berlin to win	4.29

A draw is priced at 3.71, indicating that bookmakers expect a competitive match. For those exploring alternative markets, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals could be worth considering, given the attacking capabilities on display.

Hoffenheim Analysis & Past Performance

Hoffenheim have been in excellent form recently, securing four wins in their last five Bundesliga matches. Their recent victories include an impressive 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt and a commanding 5-1 triumph against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Werder Bremen	Hoffenheim	0 – 2 (Win)	Bundesliga	27 Jan 2026
Eintracht Frankfurt	Hoffenheim	1 – 3 (Win)	Bundesliga	24 Jan 2026
Hoffenheim	Bayer Leverkusen	1 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	17 Jan 2026
Hoffenheim	Borussia Mönchengladbach	5 – 1 (Win)	Bundesliga	14 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	Hoffenheim	0 – 0 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	6 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

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Hoffenheim’s attack has been potent, averaging 2.20 goals per game over their last five league matches. Defensively, they have been solid, with three clean sheets and an average of just 0.40 goals conceded per match. Their home form is particularly formidable, boasting a perfect record of five consecutive wins, underlining their dominance at the PreZero Arena.

Hoffenheim Suspensions & Injuries

Hoffenheim face a few challenges ahead of their clash with Union Berlin due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Wouter Burger, suspended for one match following a red card, will require a reshuffle in midfield. This suspension could disrupt the team’s balance in the centre, where Burger’s presence is usually a stabilising influence.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Wouter Burger	Red card	1	Unknown

On the injury front, Hoffenheim will be without key players such as Adam Hložek, sidelined with a calf injury, and Cole Campbell, out with an ankle problem. Both are expected to return in February, meaning the team may struggle to fill the gap in attacking creativity and depth. Additionally, Ihlas Bebou’s short-term illness could limit their attacking options, especially if he does not recover in time.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Koki Machida	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2026
Adam Hložek	Calf injury	Early February 2026
Cole Campbell	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026
Ihlas Bebou	Illness	Few days

Coach Christian Ilzer may need to rely on the versatility of players like Dennis Geiger and Leon Avdullahu to compensate for these absences. Tactical adjustments could include a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity while waiting for the return of these key players. With these absences, Hoffenheim’s chances may be slightly diminished, potentially impacting betting markets as they face a challenging opponent in Union Berlin.

Hoffenheim Key Players

Hoffenheim’s attacking threat is led by Fisnik Asllani, the team’s top scorer with six goals this season. Asllani’s clinical finishing makes him a constant danger to Union Berlin’s defence. His movement and positioning in the box are crucial to Hoffenheim’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Andrej Kramarić stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing range allow him to orchestrate play and create chances. Alongside him, Grischa Prömel’s work rate and defensive contributions are vital for maintaining balance and control. At the back, Vladimír Coufal’s experience and leadership provide stability and organisation, which could prove decisive in thwarting Union Berlin’s attacks.

Expected lineup for Hoffenheim

• Goalkeeper: Oliver Baumann
• Defenders: Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Albian Hajdari, Bernardo
• Midfielders: Andrej Kramarić, Grischa Prömel, Leon Avdullahu, Dennis Geiger, Alexander Prass
• Forward: Tim Lemperle

The tactical influence of these key players is significant. Asllani’s goal-scoring ability, combined with Kramarić’s creativity, offers Hoffenheim a potent attacking threat. Meanwhile, Coufal’s defensive acumen ensures a resilient backline. The interplay between these players is expected to shape Hoffenheim’s approach, capitalising on their strengths in attack while maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Hoffenheim Tactics and Formation

Hoffenheim Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Tim Lemperle
• Midfield Pivot: Grischa Prömel and Dennis Geiger
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong midfield control and effective counterattacks.

Hoffenheim’s 4-5-1 formation is built to dominate the midfield and provide defensive stability. With Grischa Prömel and Dennis Geiger anchoring the midfield, they ensure a robust presence that supports both defensive cover and attacking transitions. Andrej Kramarić and Alexander Prass offer width and creativity, supporting lone striker Tim Lemperle.

Defensively, the system relies on the experience of Vladimír Coufal and Bernardo as full-backs, with Robin Hranáč and Albian Hajdari forming the central partnership. This defensive unit has helped Hoffenheim secure three clean sheets in their last five matches, highlighting their resilience.

Offensively, Hoffenheim focus on controlling the game through midfield, enabling quick counterattacks. This approach is particularly effective in exploiting opposition defences during transitions, where the pace and skill of their midfielders come to the fore.

Union Berlin Analysis & Past Performance

Union Berlin’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Their only victory came in a club friendly against Erzgebirge Aue (2-1), while their Bundesliga campaign has seen them struggle, most notably with a 0-3 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Union Berlin	Borussia Dortmund	0 – 3 (Loss)	Bundesliga	24 Jan 2026
VfB Stuttgart	Union Berlin	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	18 Jan 2026
Augsburg	Union Berlin	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	15 Jan 2026
Union Berlin	Mainz 05	2 – 2 (Draw)	Bundesliga	10 Jan 2026
Erzgebirge Aue	Union Berlin	1 – 2 (Win)	Club Friendlies	5 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of team statistics, Union Berlin have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches, conceding an average of 1.60. They’ve scored in four of these games, indicating decent attacking capability, but have failed to keep a clean sheet, revealing defensive vulnerabilities.

Union Berlin’s away form has been slightly better, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Their away win ratio stands at 40%, suggesting more resilience on the road than in their overall form. Despite mixed results, Ilyas Ansah remains a crucial player, as the team’s top scorer with five goals this season.

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Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries

Union Berlin face a challenging task with the absence of Robert Skov and Tim Skarke due to injury. Skov’s calf problem and Skarke’s muscle issue are expected to keep them out until early February 2026, affecting Union Berlin’s attacking depth and width. The absence of these players may force coach Steffen Baumgart to depend more on other squad members, possibly altering the team’s usual attacking strategies.

The loss of Skov and Skarke, who have been crucial for width and pace, necessitates tactical adjustments. Union Berlin may need to adopt a more centralised attacking approach, relying on Woo-Yeong Jeong and Andrej Ilić to break down Hoffenheim’s defence. Increased responsibility will also fall to Josip Juranović and Janik Haberer to compensate for the creativity lost with Skov’s absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Robert Skov	Calf Injury	Early February 2026
Tom Rothe	Muscle Injury	Early February 2026
Tim Skarke	Muscle Injury	Early February 2026
Marin Ljubičić	Thigh Injury	Late February 2026

In terms of replacements, Woo-Yeong Jeong and Andrej Ilić will be expected to step up and fill the creative void. Their performances could be decisive in maintaining Union Berlin’s attacking threat against Hoffenheim. Despite these setbacks, Union Berlin’s core squad remains intact, allowing them to adapt and potentially surprise their opponents with a slightly altered game plan.

These injuries could influence betting markets, as the absence of key players like Skov may affect Union Berlin’s odds. Bettors might see these unavailabilities as a disadvantage, potentially skewing predictions towards Hoffenheim. However, Union Berlin’s resilience in adapting to such challenges should not be underestimated, making this an intriguing aspect of the upcoming match.

Union Berlin Key Players

Union Berlin’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Ilyas Ansah, who has netted five goals this season. Ansah’s ability to find the net is crucial for Union Berlin’s offensive strategy, offering a dangerous combination of speed and precision that keeps opposing defences alert. His partnership with Andrej Ilić up front is vital, with Ilić’s physicality and aerial prowess complementing Ansah’s movement.

In midfield, Rani Khedira stands out as a pivotal player. His role as a defensive midfielder is essential for disrupting opposition play and launching counter-attacks. Alongside Janik Haberer, who provides creativity and vision, they form a strong midfield pairing capable of dictating the tempo and maintaining possession. At the back, Danilho Doekhi and Diogo Leite ensure defensive solidity, with Doekhi’s leadership and Leite’s tackling ability being crucial components of Union Berlin’s defensive resilience.

Expected lineup for Union Berlin:

• Goalkeeper: Frederik Rønnow
• Defence: Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, Diogo Leite
• Midfield: Janik Haberer, Rani Khedira, Aljoscha Kemlein, Josip Juranović, Woo-Yeong Jeong
• Forward: Andrej Ilić, Ilyas Ansah

Union Berlin Tactics and Formation

Union Berlin Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Ilyas Ansah
• Midfield Pivot: Rani Khedira and Aljoscha Kemlein
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded seven goals in their last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and counter-attacking play.

Union Berlin’s 3-4-1-2 formation is designed to utilise wing-backs Josip Juranović and Woo-Yeong Jeong to provide width and support both in attack and defence. The midfield pivot of Rani Khedira and Aljoscha Kemlein offers a solid base, facilitating efficient transitions from defence to attack.

Offensively, Union Berlin rely on the attacking prowess of Ilyas Ansah and Andrej Ilić, with Ansah as the leading scorer. Janik Haberer, operating as a central attacking midfielder, plays a key role in linking play and creating opportunities in the final third.

Defensively, the back three of Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite have faced challenges, conceding seven goals in their last five matches. This defensive structure requires strong cohesion and communication to prevent lapses, especially against high-pressing opponents like Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Hoffenheim and Union Berlin, Union Berlin hold a slight edge with six wins compared to Hoffenheim’s five, along with two draws. The most recent encounter saw Hoffenheim triumph 4-2 away at Union Berlin in a Bundesliga clash, highlighting their attacking strength.

The last time Hoffenheim hosted Union Berlin at the PreZero Arena, it ended in a disappointing 0-4 defeat for the home side in February 2025. This result underlines Union Berlin’s capacity to perform strongly away from home in this fixture.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Union Berlin	Hoffenheim	2 – 4	Bundesliga	2025-09-13
Hoffenheim	Union Berlin	0 – 4	Bundesliga	2025-02-08
Union Berlin	Hoffenheim	2 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-09-21
Hoffenheim	Union Berlin	0 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-02-17
Union Berlin	Hoffenheim	0 – 2	Bundesliga	2023-09-23