RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim prediction 16.12.2023

• Competition: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, 16th December 2023
• Kickoff: 17:30 UTC / 18:30 CET
• Venue: Red Bull Arena (Leipzig)

RB Salzburg quickly became one of the best teams in Germany, but considering the amount of money the owners put into this project, no one was really surprised. Last year, they won the German Cup and finished 3rd in Bundesliga, just five away from the title. This season, they are playing fine and are currently 4th in the league with 29 points after 14 rounds. Yes, they are already seven points behind the league's leader, but Bayer Leverkusen had simply an incredible start to the season. Also, Rose's squad secured the knockout phase of the Champions League by finishing 2nd in the group with Manchester City, Young Boys, and Crvena Zvezda. 

Last season, Hoffenheim had one of the worst seasons since coming to Bundesliga back in 2008/09 season. They did finish 11th, but only three points away from the relegation playout! This season, the Blues had an excellent start, but due to a poor month and a half, they dropped slightly in the standings. Currently, they are 6th with 23 points - six away from their next opponents, RB Leipzig. 

RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim pick: RB Leipzig to win and cover the -1 AH spread

RB Leipzig are in good form, winning three games in a row against solid competition. At home, their winning streak is even better, with five wins and 16 scored goals - 3.2 per game. So far, RB Leipzig have won five of seven home games in the Bundesliga, with four of those five wins coming by two or more goals. Also, with only five conceded goals at Red Bull Arena, RB Leipzig are the best defensive (home) team in the league.

Hoffenheim had a rough period in November and at the start of December when they won just two points in five games. They stopped the bleeding with a 3:1 home win against Bochum in a pretty close game. This season, the Blues were excellent on the road, but in recent games, that was not the case, as they failed to win in the previous three road matches. 

Additionally, Hoffenheim are having massive injury problems, especially on the offensive end, and will have a hard task of scoring against one of the best defensive teams in the league.

In the previous h2h games, RB Leipzig absolutely dominated Hoffenheim, winning the last four matches. Considering the previous h2h games, home-pitch advantage, and Hoffenheim's poor road run, we think RB Leipzig should secure a sixth home win in a row.