Hoffenheim – Kiel: 1

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August 24, 2024

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Our tip: Hoffenheim – Kiel: 1

24.08.2024 15:30

Hoffenheim will be the first to challenge Holstein Kiel, the 58th participant in the German top flight. The confidants of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo will confirm their place on the cup rungs, while the goal of the newcomer is, of course, rescue. Czech international Adam Hložek is expected to make his debut for the team.

TSG finished last season in seventh place and secured their return to the European Cups after four years, but the unexpected demise of sporting director Alexander Rosen and other members of the management team during the summer break has shaken the club. Maximilian Beier, a key offensive player who transferred to Borussia Dortmund, will no longer play for the parent team. Hoffenheim have engaged Adam Hložek, just three months older than the 21-year-old forward, from champions Leverkusen, where he fell short of expectations after arriving from Sparta. Alexander Praas (Sturm Graz) and Haris Tabakovic (Hertha BSC) are also in the pipeline, while the Czech trio (Pavel Kadeřábek, David Jurásek and Hložek) should be expanded by another compatriot, as the Kraichgau club is finalizing the arrival of stopper Robin Hranac from Plzeň, who according to the latest reports is preferred to Martin Vitík from Sparta.

Holstein Kiel have deservedly won their first promotion to the German elite, but under coach Marcel Rapp they will probably have to fight for their lives. The (in)activity on the transfer market suggests that. Key midfielder Philipp Sander (Mönchengladbach) has left the club and will be replaced by Armin Gigovic and Marcus Knudsen (both Rostov). Talented midfielder Tom Rothe is to be replaced by Tymoteusz Puchacz (Union Berlin). The biggest problem, however, may be the fact that most of the newcomer’s squad has no experience of the 1. Bundesliga, which may be decisive.

What to bet on:

Both teams have had trouble with challengers from lower competitions in the opening round of the DFB-Pokal, but despite this, I have no doubt that Hoffenheim will fulfil the role of favourite and start the season victorious after two years.

Trust:

7/10

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