SC Paderborn will face Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga at the Home Deluxe Arena on Sunday. Ralf Kettemann's newly-promoted team has struggled so far this season, earning just one point from their first three matches and failing to score any goals. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim, managed by Christian Ilzer, arrives after a surprising 2-0 defeat to OFI Crete in the Europa League.
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This match marks the first top-flight encounter between the two sides since their 1-1 draw at the same venue in May 2020, which was held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paderborn's return to the Bundesliga has been challenging, as they have recorded 33 attempts on goal without success. Their campaign began with a goalless draw against Mainz 05, followed by a 1-0 loss to Freiburg in their first home game back in the league, and a 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund last weekend.
Paderborn has not won in their last 18 Bundesliga matches, a streak dating back to January 2020. They are the only team in the league yet to score this season. Kettemann, who guided Paderborn to promotion last season, faces the task of keeping the club in the top division for only the third time in its history.
Hoffenheim will be looking to bounce back after their Thursday loss, which interrupted their momentum after a 2-1 victory over Stuttgart. The team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Cologne in their league opener and collapsed in a subsequent match against Borussia Dortmund after leading 2-0. Captain Oliver Baumann acknowledged the need for a mental reset and the potential for squad rotation due to the short turnaround from their Europa League match.
Paderborn is dealing with a few injury absences, including Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant and Timur Gayret. However, Laurin Curda has returned to training after recovering from a muscle issue. Hoffenheim's Alexander Prass is set to return after a muscular problem, while Bambase Conte and Adam Daghim are anticipated to rejoin the starting lineup after being rested.
Paderborn is expected to start with: Noll; Hansen, Scheller, Ter Horst; Obermair, Vidovic, Castaneda, Ulrich, Curda; Pieringer, Marino. Hoffenheim's likely formation includes: Baumann; M. Rots, Kabak, Hajdari, Coufal; Daghim, Burger, Avdullahu, Conte; Lemperle, Hlozek. Given Paderborn's challenges in translating possession into goals, a close victory for Hoffenheim is forecasted, with the match likely finishing 1-0.