Hoffenheim's home match against Hamburger SV on Saturday (15:30) is overshadowed by a debate over drastically increased ticket prices for away fans. TSG is charging between 52 and 90 euros for seats in the away section, nearly double the cost for subsequent home games against Leverkusen and Lyon.
Both teams have made a poor start to the season with just one win from four games, sitting 14th and 16th respectively. For Hoffenheim, that means three points and a goal difference of 7:10. HSV coach Merlin Polzin called the task in Sinsheim a major challenge. He pointed to TSG's consistent style and high press. His team has rarely found solutions against such opponents this season, the 35-year-old said. His plan is to break Hoffenheim's rhythm and make the game uncomfortable.
Fan Protest and Travel
Around 10,000 HSV supporters are expected to make the nearly 600-kilometre journey to Sinsheim. Many are taking the opportunity as they often cannot get tickets at their home Volksparkstadion. TSG hopes that free sales to away fans will boost its attendance figures. Last season, between 13,000 and 15,000 Hamburg fans made the trip, representing the highest away support of the campaign. On average, only 26,697 spectators attended games in Sinsheim in the 2025/26 season, a figure bettered only by Union Berlin and Heidenheim.
The current pricing policy finds no sporting justification. For the following home game against Bayer Leverkusen, a comparable seat costs just 30 euros. Against Olympique Lyon, it's 40 to 46 euros. TSG is marketing the duel as a top game despite both clubs' poor league positions.
Squad Issues on Both Sides
HSV will be without injured midfielder Albert Grönbaek and striker Patson Daka. Defender Zakaria El Ouahdi is a doubt. Yussuf Poulsen and Terem Moffi may only be available from the bench. Polzin spoke of a team that must reach its destination with a half-full tank. Hoffenheim must also respond after a 3-1 defeat at SC Paderborn before the international break. Top scorer Adam Daghim, who has two goals this season, will play a central role.
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 4-1 home win for Hoffenheim in December 2025. However, TSG's current form of four defeats in their last five competitive games is a cause for concern. The losing streak began with a 2-3 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Hoffenheim's possible lineup could feature Oliver Baumann in goal and a back four of Vladimir Coufal, Ozan Kabak, David Hranac and Maximilian Rots. Lumbardh Avdullahu and Dennis Burger could play in midfield, with Mërgim Conté, Adam Daghim, Tim Lemperle and Jetmir Asllani in attack. For the visitors, Daniel Heuer Fernandes is expected in goal with a back three.
The focus is now on Saturday. A win would be significant for both clubs in the relegation battle. TSG Hoffenheim's next Bundesliga fixture is on October 17th at 1. FC Köln.
This story first appeared at ndr.de
