Hoffenheim and Hertha Berlin will be aiming to end their winless runs when they face off on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga's return.

Both teams hit a bad run of form prior to the division's coronavirus-enforced shutdown in March and must quickly put that right if they are to achieve their aims for the season.

Match preview

Hoffenheim have been in European contention all season long, but two points from the last 15 on offer is not exactly the way to go about earning a place in the top seven.

Alfred Schreuder's side occupied a Europa League qualifying spot following their 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on February 1, but they have not won any games since then and are now in ninth.

That disappointing winless run includes a heavy 6-0 loss to Bayern Munich in their most recent home match, finding themselves five goals down after just 47 minutes.

Hoffenheim did however regain some credibility with a 1-1 draw at Schalke 04 last time out thanks to Christoph Baumgartner's second-half goal.

Given the tight nature of the Bundesliga, with five points separating Schalke in sixth and FC Koln in 10th, Die Kraichgauer still have plenty to play for in the remainder of the season.

That is also true for opponents Hertha, who are only three places and six points off the relegation playoff spot after winning just one of their last six matches.

The Old Lady have played out back-to-back draws in the league - 3-3 with Fortuna Dusseldorf and 2-2 against Werder Bremen - and are still not safe from the drop.

Throw a heavy 5-0 loss to Koln on February 22 into the mix and Hertha have conceded an alarming 10 goals in their last three matches.

Following the short-lived tenure of Jurgen Klinsmann, it is now down to Bruno Labbadia to get them over the line and secure another season of top-flight football for the capital club.

However, with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund to play in two of their next four matches after this weekend, as well as a derby showdown with Union Berlin, defeat on Saturday could leave them in real trouble.

There are some positives for Labbadia to take, though, such as the fighting spirit showed to salvage a point against Bremen last time out from two goals down.

A few more wins are ultimately required, and getting back on the victory trail this weekend at a ground where Hoffenheim have struggled at times of late would be a good way for Hertha to begin their new regime.

Hoffenheim's Bundesliga form: LLLDLD

Hertha Berlin's Bundesliga form: DLWLDD
Hertha Berlin's form (all competitions): LLWLDD

Team News

Andrej Kramaric has seven goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season, but the Croatian striker is expected to sit this one out with an ankle injury.

Hoffenheim are also sweating over the fitness of Sargis Adamyan, but Munas Dabbur is back in contention after overcoming a knee issue.

Jacob Bruun Larsen has started a couple of games since arriving from Dortmund in January and could force his way into the side here.

As for Hertha, Salomon Kalou has been suspended for flaunting COVID-19 rules, leading to plenty of negative press for his club.

Vladimir Darida will miss out because of suspension, meanwhile, but plenty of others have returned to fitness over the two-month hiatus.

Dedryck Boyata is one of those and is likely to get the nod in the heart of defence alongside Niklas Stark.

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:
Baumann; Zuber, Hubner, Akpoguma, Kaderabek; Grillitsch, Geiger, Rudy; Baumgartner, Bebou, Skov

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:
Jarstein; Klunter, Stark, Boyata, Platthardt; Skjelbred; Dilrosun, Grujic, Mittelstadt; Piatek, Cunha

We say: Hoffenheim 1-0 Hertha Berlin

It remains to be seen just what shape both sets of players will be in following the prolonged break. Hoffenheim were ripped apart in their most recent home outing, but this match presents a good opportunity to kickstart their campaign and push on for a European spot.