Hamburger SV – 1899 Hoffenheim

Hamburger SV host 1899 Hoffenheim in what is shaping up to be a crucial showdown for both sides. The HSV, languishing at the foot of the table in 18th place with three defeats and a –12 goal difference, will be desperate to snap a winless start. Hoffenheim sit mid‑table in 13th, having collected three points from a solitary victory and still carrying a modest –1 goal difference after conceding seven. A win for the visitors would lift them into the top ten, while a defeat could see the Hamburg side inch closer to relegation danger.