Hoffenheim aim to erase opening-day pain
TSG Hoffenheim are preparing to host Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga as they look to recover from a painful start to the campaign. Christian Ilzer’s side twice led against FC Köln on the opening weekend, through goals from Adam Daghim and Ozan Kabak, only to fall to a 3-2 defeat after Thijs Dallinga and Said El Mala struck in the second half.
The loss has increased the urgency to pick up points at home. Hoffenheim can take heart from last season’s meeting with Dortmund at this venue, where Andrej Kramaric converted a late penalty to seal a 2-1 victory in front of the home crowd. That result helped keep their European push alive, and Ilzer will hope for a similar outcome against opponents already missing several key figures.
Dortmund upbeat but stretched by injuries and bans
Borussia Dortmund began their league programme with a 2-0 success away to Hamburger SV. Serhou Guirassy and Giannis Konstantelias were both on target in that match, while a 5-0 DFB-Pokal demolition of HEBC Hamburg on deadline day added further gloss to their start.
The mood was dampened by a serious knee injury to Konstantelias, who is expected to miss much of the season with an ACL problem. The summer signing from PAOK had only just started to build an understanding with fellow Greek midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas before being forced off, robbing the side of a promising partnership.
To cover the loss, Dortmund completed a late loan move for Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who spent time at Marseille last term. The squad has also been weakened by the suspension of Samuele Inacio following his red card against Hamburg, plus ongoing absences for Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can. There is hope Schlotterbeck could be back before the month ends.
Squad updates and availability
Hoffenheim’s attacking ranks are bolstered by the return of Tim Lemperle, who has served his ban. They remain without Fisnik Asllani, however, as the forward continues his recovery after a transfer to RB Leipzig fell through. Alexander Prass is also unavailable, though he may return when Hoffenheim face Stuttgart in a coming round. Dortmund, meanwhile, will be without Konstantelias, Inacio, Schlotterbeck and Can, giving their coaching staff a selection puzzle in both defence and midfield.
Competition context
With only a handful of matches played, neither side can afford to let early ground slip. Hoffenheim need a rapid response to keep their European hopes credible, while Dortmund will aim to protect their positive momentum despite a lengthening injury list. Saturday’s encounter offers one team the chance to seize the initiative and build valuable early confidence.