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Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

Hoffenheim will host newly crowned Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich in this match-day 34 clash at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

As of the time of writing, Hoffenheim have 31 points from 32 games played and they are placed 15th on the log. Bayern Munich are top of the log with 76 points from 32 games and they have been crowned champions for the 2024-25 season.

Hoffenheim’s season started with a penalty shootout win over the Kickers in the DFB Pokal before they kicked things off in the Bundesliga with a 3-2 win over newly promoted Holstein Kiel at home. The next three games against Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, and Union Berlin ended in defeats. Following their exploits in the league last term, they sealed a ticket to play in the Europa League, and their season opener ended in a 1-1 draw with Midtjylland. Back in the Bundesliga, they suffered a fourth successive loss at the hands of Bremen, before beating Dynamo Kyiv in their second Europa League game. The win in Europe helped put a stop to the losing streak in the league, as Hoffenheim played out a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart before a second league win of the season against Bochum in mid-October.

Apart from progressing in the DFB Pokal, Hoffenheim failed to win a game for a month, and that led to the sacking of Pellegrino Matarazzo as their head coach. He was replaced by Christian Ilzer. The former SK Sturm Graz handler helped them beat RB Leipzig in late November to return to winning ways. However, the side failed to win in the rest of the year. In 2025 so far, Hoffenheim have won just four Bundesliga games.

Hoffenheim’s season have been a difficult one, truth be told. Die Kraichgauer finished seventh last term, but they have struggled to replicate that performance, and that has seen them fall into survival mode. As things stand, they need a point from their remaining two games of the season to guarantee safety or if Holstein Kiel and Heindenheim failed to win their remaining games.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s season was expected to be better than last term after they finished the season trophyless, and it has gone according to plan on the home front. The Bavarians lost the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen and the DFB Pokal, while eventual winners Real Madrid sent them out in the UEFA Champions League. Under Vincent Kompany, they have been consistent and finished 2024 on a strong note. However, they have suffered some disappointing results in the UCL and DFB Pokal. So they have to make do with just the league title this term.

The Bavarians started the season with a 4-0 win over Ulm in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Bavarians won their opening four games against Wolfsburg, Freiburg, Kiel, and Werder Bremen before a 1-1 draw with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen at home. Bayern Munich maintained their strong run in the competition and have so far racked up 23 wins, six draws, and just two defeats with three games to go. They have remained the team to beat, and they have been crowned champions. So, the remaining games do not affect the season anymore.

Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Bayern Munich thumped Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 before a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona then followed before a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica got them back on track. And they also defeated PSG by the same scoreline as some of the fine results in Europe under Kompany. Bayern took part in the knockout playoffs, where they struggled to beat Celtic on aggregate. In the following round, they faced Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, and they won the tie 5-0 on aggregate to set up a clash with Inter Milan in the Quarter-finals. However, they lost out narrowly 4-3 on aggregate. Another season on the continent did not go according to plan, but the board will most likely be pleased with their progress following the poor start in the early stages of the season.

Hoffenheim vs Bayern München’s head-to-head record shows that in the previous 34 meetings, Hoffenheim has won 5 times, Bayern München has won 22 times, and 7 ended in a draw.

Match Tickets

The epic match at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim will kick off at 14:30 GMT+1 on Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

The magnificent 30,150-capacity stadium will host this league clash between the home side and the champions.

Getting Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich tickets could take a lot of work, given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

Team News

Line Up

Apart from Ozan Kabak, Grischa Prömel, and Valentin Gendrey, who are expected not to feature again this season, Hoffenheim do not have any fresh injury worries.

Hoffenheim XI: Philipp, Kadeřábek, Nsoki, Østigård, Arthur Chaves, Bischof, Stach, Hložek, Kramarić, Bülter, Touré.

The season is almost over, but Bayern Munich, who will be taking part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, have several first-team members nursing one injury or the other. Alphonso Davies is not expected back until December, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, and Raphael Guerreiro are out until May. Meanwhile, Kim Min-Jae is out until mid-July. Manager Vincent Kompany is expected to make changes to his squad for this game and the subsequent ones due to the number of injuries.

Bayern Munich XI: Jonas Urbig; Konrad Laimer, Sacha Boey, Eric Dier, Josip Stanisic; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry; Harry Kane.

Prediction

Hoffenheim have a higher chance of sealing safety way before this game. It will take a miracle for them to go down from here. By the way, getting Hoffenheim tickets is quite important because the champions are coming to town.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich are already champions, so not much is expected from them. With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup coming in the summer, Vincent Kompany might be using a game like this to prepare his fringe squad members.

In the past four meetings between the clubs at Hoffenheim, the home side have won twice and lost just once. So, that stands in their favour, and one might be tempted to back them once again to avoid defeat to the champions.

Hoffenheim 2-2 Bayern Munich.

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09/05/2025
Ajax vs Twente preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

Ajax and FC Twente will clash at Johan Cruijff ArenA for this match day 34 encounter in the 2024-25 Eredivisie League campaign. It is the final game of the season.

As of the time of writing, Ajax have garnered 74 points from 31 games and they sit top of the Eredivisie standings with four points ahead of second-placed PSV. Twente are 5th on the log with 51 points from 31 matches.

Ajax, who last won the league title in 2022, wanted a return to the top of Dutch football, and they went ahead to appoint one of the promising coaches in world football – Francesco Farioli. The Italian signed a three-year deal, and he was quite vocal about bringing the club back to where it belongs during his unveiling.

The Italian manager is on the verge of doing that with three games to go until the end of the season. Ajax are currently top with a four-point lead, and they could even wrap up the league title with more results or if other results go their way.

Based on where they finished last season, Ajax started their season early with the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, knocking out Vojvodina, Panathinaikos, and Jagiellonia to book their spot in the new group stage format of the second-tier European competition.

In the Eredivisie, Ajax beat Heerenveen 1-0 to get the season underway, but they lost 2-1 to NAC Breda in their second league game of the season. Farioli’s men then thumped Sittard 5-0 to return to winning ways. Taylor Kenneth, Bertrand Traore, Youri Baas, Devyne Rensch, and Chuba Akpom scored in the rout. On the road, De Godenzonen failed to win as they drew 1-1 with Go Ahead Eagles. Ajax went on to win nine of the next ten games in all competitions to continue their strong start to the season.

However, a run of mixed results at the end of 2024 set them back a bit, but they got back on track in the new year. In the Europa League, they were knocked out in the round of 16 stage by Frankfurt. Back in the league, Ajax have not lost at home. It goes to show how strong they have been there this campaign. Ajax should have wrapped up the league title weeks back, but they lost 4-0 to Utrecht and drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam.

After that home draw, striker Wout Weghorst said it was an important point regardless. “We regained control in the second half,” Weghorst also told ESPN. “But the ball just wouldn’t go in. Two minutes before the end, it even went in at the other end. Fortunately, we managed to equalise just after. It’s an important point. We kept going after conceding. We showed we have the mentality to come back.”

As for Twente, they finished third in the league last season and got a play-off spot in the UEFA Champions League. They fell short against German side RB Leipzig to drop to the Europa League. De Tukkers started the domestic season with a 2-1 win over NEC on the road. Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and Sam Lammers scored in the win. That match day one result was followed by a stalemate with Sparta. Another draw against Zwolle on match day three, and a first loss of the league campaign at the hands of Utrecht, plus two consecutive wins over Heerenveen and Almere City, meant Twente continued their fine start to the domestic season. They defeated NAC Breda to finish the month of September on a high note.

In the Europa League, they held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Sam Lammers cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s opener for the Premier League side. On match day two, they also drew with Turkish side Fenerbahce before a home loss to Lazio. De Tukkers went ahead to draw their fourth European game against Nice.

Despite failing to win any of their first four games, Twente won the final two to book their spot in the knockout playoffs phase, where they were bundled out by semifinalists Bodo Glimt. At the moment, Twente have just one win in their past six games in the Eredivisie. Ajax have been the team to beat in the Dutch top flight this season, and with some wins or if other results go their way, the title will be theirs.

On the other hand, Twente are making a push for a place in Europe once again. The UEFA Champions spot looks done and dusted, so they will make do with either the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Conference League for next season. In terms of the head-to-head, from the past 47 games played between Ajax and Twente since 2004, Ajax have won 22 games, Twente have won 12 games, and the remaining 13 games have been stalemates.

Match Tickets

The epic match at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam will kick off on Sunday, 18th May 2025, at 13:30 GMT. The 55,885-capacity stadium will host this Dutch League match between Ajax and Twente.

Getting Ajax v Twente tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

Team News

Line Up

Manager Francesco Farioli is fond of rotating his squad, and some changes might be made to the last team that started against Sparta. Youri Baas and Branco van den Boomen are the only players currently injured, while Jordan Henderson should return from his suspension for this game.

Ajax possible XI: Matheus; Gaaei, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato; Berghuis, Klaassen, Taylor; Traore, Brobbey, Edvardsen.

For Twente, Ricky van Wolfswinkel has impressed since his return from an injury layoff and could be given a start in this final league game of the season. Twente could still be without the services of Sam Lammers (shoulder) and Taylor Booth (muscle), while Gerald Alders is listed as a minor doubt.

Twente possible XI: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Van Hoorenbeeck, Lagerbielke, Kuipers; Vlap, Sadílek; Ltaief, Steijn, Unuvar, Van Wolfswinkel

Prediction

Ajax have been excellent in the Eredivisie this season, and they are going to be champions in a matter of days. They also have a solid form at home this season, and Twente might not be able to hinder them from picking up another win. By the way, get your Ajax tickets early enough to catch the game.

On the other hand, Twente have only won once against Ajax since 2009, and they have just a win in their past six games at the time of writing. In addition, they have just one win on the road in their last four.

Ajax 2-1 FC Twente

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08/05/2025
Leeds United vs Bristol City: High Stakes at Elland Road – Preview and Prediction

The stage is set for a thrilling clash on Monday night as Leeds United welcome Bristol City to a packed Elland Road. For Leeds, the champagne is already flowing, with Premier League promotion secured, but the job isn’t done yet. Daniel Farke’s relentless side are hungry for more – they want the Championship title and a record-breaking finish. Standing in their way? A Bristol City outfit fighting tooth and nail to lock in a coveted EFL Playoff spot.

Leeds United: Chasing History

Leeds United have been nothing short of sensational this season. Their 6-0 demolition of Stoke City last week — a match that saw Joel Piroe erupt with an astonishing four-goal performance — was the latest in a long line of dominant displays. The Whites now have 89 goals this season, edging closer to their historic best of 98 goals set back in 1927/28. With 92 points already in the bag, two more wins would not only crown them champions but would also see them smash through the 100-point barrier for the first time in their proud history.

Elland Road has been a fortress all season long, and history is firmly on Leeds’ side heading into this one. Bristol City haven’t won a league match at Elland Road since 1979. In fact, Leeds are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings against the Robins, winning eight and drawing two. Momentum, firepower, and the roar of 35,000 fans — everything points to another memorable night for Farke’s men.

Bristol City: Fighting for Their Playoff Dream

While Leeds have been basking in glory, Bristol City have been battling through adversity. A disappointing 3-1 defeat at Luton last week, where they struggled to create anything of substance, has left their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. However, thanks to favorable results elsewhere, Liam Manning’s side still cling to fifth place, with a precious four-point cushion over the chasing pack.

Victory at Elland Road would secure Bristol City’s spot in the postseason for the first time since 2008. But the road ahead is treacherous. Their away form is alarming — just one win in their last 14 Championship games on the road. Now, they must produce their best performance of the season against arguably the most formidable side in the division. The odds are stacked against them, but motivation can work miracles in football.

Leeds United

Leeds will be without midfield dynamo Joe Rothwell (calf injury) and commanding centre-back Pascal Struijk (foot injury). However, they’ve coped admirably without them. Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon have formed an excellent partnership in the heart of the defence, and they will once again marshal the backline.

The big story is Joel Piroe. After enduring a nine-game goal drought, he burst back to life against Stoke, reminding everyone why he’s one of the Championship’s deadliest finishers. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and newfound confidence make him the man to watch.

Teenage striker Harry Gray, brother of ex-Leeds prodigy Archie Gray, made his senior debut last week and could feature from the bench again, a sign of Daniel Farke’s willingness to trust youth when the moment allows.

Farke will likely stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. Expect Karl Darlow in goal, with a back four of Jayden Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, and Junior Firpo. Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka will anchor the midfield, while Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon support Piroe in attack.

Bristol City

Injuries could cripple Bristol City’s hopes. Left-back Cameron Pring is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and key midfielder Joe Williams remains a major doubt. Mark Sykes, a vital creative outlet, is out for the season, and Scott Twine, only recently back from injury, is still struggling for match fitness.

Liam Manning will have to rely on his dynamic frontmen Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti. Between them, they have contributed 22 goals this season, and their ability to find moments of brilliance will be critical if Bristol City are to spring a surprise.

Manning is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 setup, looking to pack the midfield and counter at pace. Max O’Leary will start in goal behind a defensive trio of George Tanner, Rob Dickie, and Zak Vyner. Yu Hirakawa and Ross McCrorie will operate as wing-backs, offering width and energy, while Jason Knight and Max Bird attempt to control the tempo centrally. George Earthy and Anis Mehmeti will float behind Wells, who will spearhead the attack.

Outcomes

All eyes will be on Leeds’ star striker Joel Piroe. After rediscovering his scoring touch with four goals against Stoke, Piroe looks unstoppable once again. His ability to sniff out chances, his ice-cold finishing, and his movement between the lines make him a nightmare for any defence — especially a Bristol City backline rocked by injuries.

If Leeds are to smash through the 100-point mark and claim the title, Piroe will be front and centre. Expect him to cause chaos for the visitors on Monday night.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Bristol City

Leeds United look simply too strong, too motivated, and too talented for a Bristol City side wobbling away from home. Expect Daniel Farke’s men to play with freedom and intensity, using the energy of the Elland Road crowd to sweep their opponents aside.

Bristol City might grab a goal through Wells or Mehmeti, but Leeds’ firepower should see them pull away comfortably. The Whites should continue their march towards history, while Bristol City may have to battle it out on the final day to secure their playoff dream.

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28/04/2025