Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Hoffenheim's four-game winning streak may have ended in midweek but it could have been worse. Sebastian Hoeneß's side were trailing Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining until substitutes Angelo Stiller and Munas Dabbur struck twice in three minutes to keep TSG in fourth. Both are pushing for starts in the final game of the Hinrunde, with Sebastian Rudy and five-goal top-scorer Ihlas Bebou possible players to make way. Pavel Kaderabek could also return to the starting line-up after featuring in the draw with Leverkusen from the bench and the 29-year-old will have his eyes on Kevin Akpoguma's place on the right. Chris Richards should feature for the 14th match in succession since joining the club on-loan from Bayern Munich and will almost certainly have Kevin Vogt for company. The third spot in defence was taken by Florian Grillitsch last time out, but Stefan Posch and returning club captain Benjamin Hübner are in contention.

While the hosts have been in fine form, Gladbach have been heading in the opposite direction and Adi Hütter's team find themselves firmly in a relegation battle. They sit just one point above the drop zone and defeat could see them end the year in the promotion/relegation playoff place. That's their reality following four defeats on the spin that have seen the Foals concede 17 times across defeats to Cologne (4-1), Freiburg (0-6), RB Leipzig (4-1) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2-3). The latest loss to Frankfurt in midweek was even more frustrating for having taken an early lead, then pulled level and having played against 10 men for the final 20 minutes of the match. Jonas Hofmann remains sidelined through injury but there is a boost in the return from suspension of captain Lars Stindl, who is expected to replace Laszlo Benes.

Match stats

Kramaric had eight Bundesliga goals and two assists at this stage last season; the Croatia international currently has two goals and seven assists in 2021/22.

Hoffenheim have hit the woodwork a league-leading 10 times already this term.

Sebastian Hoeneß's side are on a roll and are unbeaten in their last five league matches (W4, D1).

In Hofmann (seven goals) and Stindl (two goals, four assists), Gladbach will be without their two most dangerous attackers this season.

With a top speed of 22.13 mph (35.62 km/h), Deniz Zakaria is the sixth-fastest player in the Bundesliga in 2021/22.

Only Bayern Munich (316) have had more shots on goal than Gladbach (250) this term.

Probable line-ups

Hoffenheim: Baumann (c) - Vogt, Grillitsch, Richards - Kaderabek, Samassekou, Stiller, Raum - Baumgartner - Kramaric, Dabbur

Out: Bicakcic (knee), Bruun Larsen (muscular), Skov (thigh)

Doubtful: Geiger (thigh), John (ill)

Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

Gladbach: Sommer - Ginter, Elvedi, Bensebaini - Scally, Neuhaus, Zakaria, Netz - Stindl (c), Plea - Embolo

Out: Beyer (thigh), Hofmann (knee), Kone (suspended)

Doubtful: Jantschke (match fitness)

Coach: Adi Hütter