Champions League Play Off: Hoffenheim vs Liverpool

Hoffenheim face Liverpool at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Tuesday evening, in the Champions League play off fixtures.

The Germans come into this match in good form, winning their opening match of the German DFB Cup 1-0.

Nadiem Amiri scored the only goal of the game for Hoffenheim (55), with midfielder scoring just 10 minutes after the restart.

It was a match that saw Hoffenheim dominate possession, with the away side enjoying an incredible 79.2% of the ball.

They dominated shots on target, registering three times as many shots as FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt and registering twice as many on target.

It will be a tough season for the Germans, despite enjoying an incredible fourth placed finish last year.

They defied the odds and finished in fourth place, just two points behind third placed Borussia Dortmund.

With the added carrot of Champions League football, they will need a bigger squad, this is a huge opportunity.

This opening fixture will be a huge challenge, with Liverpool an excellent side but their defence is a huge weakness.

The hosts come into this match as underdogs, with Liverpool's pedigree informing the odds.

This could be the perfect start to Hoffenheim's season, with the Bundesliga commencing this weekend.

Hoffenheim have never faced Liverpool in a competitive fixture, this will be a great chance to record their first win.

Opening Day Draw

Liverpool come into this match on the back of a 3-3 draw against Watford, on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Stefano Okaka gave the hosts an early lead at Vicarage Road (8), Liverpool's defence again in question.

Sadio Mane levelled the scoring for Liverpool just before the half hour mark (29), making it 1-1.

That lead lasted just three minutes, with Abdoulaye Doucoure giving Watford the lead for the second time in the match (32).

Mohammed Salah was brought down in the box by Heurehlo Gomes, Roberto Firmino stepping up to score a penalty (55).

Liverpool completed the turnaround in the 57th minute, with Mohammed Salah turning from provider to scorer to make it 3-2.

Watford left it late to equalise, with Miguel Britos stoppage time strike levelling the score for the Hornets (90+3).

Success Needed

That draw will be a disappointment for Jurgen Klopp and his side, with Liverpool throwing away two points.

Their defence was at fault again, with the Liverpool back line conceding three goals, it could be their undoing.

There is still a huge cloud hanging over the future of Phillippe Coutinho, with the Brazillian being courted by Barcelona.

One positive was the form of Mohammed Salah though, with the summer signing opening his Premier League account with the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp's side come into this match as favourites, their attacking form giving them the edge with the bookies.

This will be a tough start for Liverpool, with Hoffenheim enjoying an excellent season in the Bundesliga last year.

Liverpool will be looking for their first win against Hoffenheim, the sides have never faced each other in a competitive fixture.

Tip 1 – Wagner to score first @ 13/2

Tip 2 – Hoffenheim to win 2-1 @ 9/1