Eintracht Frankfurt vs 1899 Hoffenheim Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Bundesliga clash. On paper, it's a bit of a head-scratcher. You've got Hoffenheim sitting pretty in third, looking like they're on for a Champions League spot. Then you've got Frankfurt in seventh, steady but not exactly setting the world alight. But the history books, my friends, tell a different story.

Hoffenheim are the form team, no doubt about it. Six wins from their last ten, only one loss, and they've been keeping it tight at the back, conceding just six goals in that run. That 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen and the 5-1 demolition of Gladbach show they can mix it with the best. But here's the rub – their away form has been a bit naff recently. No wins in their last three on the road, scoring a measly 0.33 goals per game away from home. They're a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde act.

Frankfurt, on the other hand, are having a proper wobble. One win in ten? That's relegation form, that is. They're drawing games for fun – five of their last ten have ended all square, including a couple of 3-3 thrillers against Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund. The defence is leakier than a sieve, shipping 22 goals in those ten games. But at home, they've still got a bit about them, and crucially, they've got Hoffenheim's number. Three wins and a draw from their last four home games against this lot. Every single one of those past meetings saw both teams score and over 2.5 goals.

So what's it gonna be? Hoffenheim's current quality against Frankfurt's historical hoodoo and home advantage. Frankfurt will fancy a goal – they've scored in their last four at home. Hoffenheim will be confident but might find it tough on their travels.

Key Points:

Hoffenheim are 3rd, in brilliant form (W6 D3 L1 last 10), but have won none of their last three away.

Frankfurt are 7th, in poor form (W1 D5 L4 last 10), but are unbeaten at home against Hoffenheim in four.

Head-to-head is a goal-fest: 9 out of 9 matches had Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score.

Frankfurt concede loads (2.2 per game recently), Hoffenheim concede very few (0.6 per game recently).

• The value might not be in picking a winner, but in the draw, with Frankfurt's draw habit and Hoffenheim's away struggles.

All things considered, this has a proper Bundesliga battle written all over it. Hoffenheim should be favourites, but Frankfurt at home with this history won't roll over. I can see both teams scoring, but the smart money, with the odds as they are, might be on the points being shared. The draw at 3.75 offers a bit of value in what looks like a very tight contest.