Bundesliga 2025-26: Bayer Leverkusen-Hoffenheim, the likely lineups

The 2025-26 Bundesliga kicked off on Friday night with Bayern Munich’s overwhelming victory against RB Leipzig and will continue on Saturday with several challenges on the calendar: among them, Bayer Leverkusen–Hoffenheim, scheduled at 3:30 p.m.

stands out.

The Aspirins faced a summer of big changes: Xabi Alonso moved to Real Madrid, a number of bigwigs left, and the technical leadership was entrusted to Erik ten Hag, fresh from his experience at Manchester United. The official start was encouraging, with a clear 4-0 win in the German Cup against Sonnenhof Grossaspach.

Hoffenheim, coached by Christian Ilzer, also got off to a good start with a 4-0 cup win over Hansa Rostock, but should not forget that it was among the most vulnerable teams in the 2024/25 Bundesliga with 68 goals conceded.

Probable lineups

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Tapsoba, Quansah, Hincapie; Poku, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tella, Maza; Schick. All. Erik ten Hag

Hoffenheim (3-4-2-1): Baumann; Hranac, Machida, Bernardo; Coufal, Avdullahu, Burger, Toure; Kramaric, Asllani; Lemperle. All. Christian Ilzer