The Bundesliga continues with an intriguing midweek clash as Hamburger SV host Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the 17th round. Both sides are looking to bounce back from weekend defeats, and the stakes are high as the first half of the season draws to a close. Leverkusen, sitting in the upper part of the table, aim to recover from a heavy loss, while Hamburg seek to avoid a third consecutive home setback. With both teams struggling for consistency, this encounter promises intensity and goals.

Hamburger SV: Searching for Stability

Hamburger SV enter this fixture after a 2-1 defeat against SC Freiburg on January 10, extending a run of three games without a win. Their recent form shows 1 victory, 2 draws, and 2 defeats in the last five matches, with an average of 1.2 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game. Over the course of the season, Hamburg’s record stands at 4 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, placing them 13th in the Bundesliga standings.

Despite their attacking efforts, defensive lapses have cost them valuable points. The team has conceded an average of 1.7 goals per match, while scoring just over one per game. At home, inconsistency has been a recurring issue, and another defeat could deepen their mid-table struggles. Facing a Leverkusen side eager to respond after a setback, the hosts will need to tighten their back line and capitalize on any counterattacking opportunities that arise.

• Ranking: 13th in Bundesliga


• Season record: 4 wins, 4 draws, 8 defeats


• Average goals: 1.1 scored, 1.7 conceded


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 defeats

Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Eager to Rebound

Bayer 04 Leverkusen suffered a 1-4 home defeat against VfB Stuttgart in their last outing, a result that halted their momentum and exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Still, the Werkself remain one of the league’s most potent attacking sides, with 34 goals scored this season — twice as many as Hamburg. Their overall record of 9 wins, 2 draws, and 5 defeats keeps them in 4th place, within reach of the top positions.

Leverkusen’s attacking consistency is reflected in their statistics: they have scored in 28 of their last 30 matches and have seen over 1.5 total goals in 28 of those games. Away from home, they have been particularly entertaining, with over 1.5 goals in each of their last 10 Bundesliga trips and at least one goal before halftime in all of them. Despite some defensive fragility, their offensive firepower makes them a constant threat.

• Ranking: 4th in Bundesliga


• Season record: 9 wins, 2 draws, 5 defeats


• Average goals: 2.1 scored, 1.5 conceded


• Over 1.5 goals: in 21 consecutive Bundesliga matches


• Over 0.5 goals at halftime: in 19 of their last 21 league games

Head-to-Head and Match Outlook

The historical record between these sides favors Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who have won four of the last five meetings, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter. On average, Leverkusen have scored 1.8 goals per match against Hamburg, conceding only 0.6. These numbers underline their dominance in this fixture.

Given both teams’ recent performances, another open and attacking match is expected. Hamburg’s defensive issues could be exploited by Leverkusen’s dynamic front line, while the hosts may still find opportunities to score, especially considering Leverkusen’s tendency to concede. With both teams averaging more than one goal per game and showing defensive vulnerabilities, goals seem likely at both ends.

• Last head-to-head: 1-2 (February 17, 2018)


• Head-to-head record: Hamburg 1 win · Leverkusen 4 wins


• Average goals in these matches: 2.4 per game

Hamburger SV vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction and Analysis

Leverkusen’s superior attacking record and their strong head-to-head advantage make them the favorites heading into this clash. The Werkself have scored in nearly every match this season and tend to perform well away from home, while Hamburg’s defensive record suggests they may struggle to contain them. However, with both teams capable of finding the net, a high-scoring contest is on the cards.

Based on the statistical trends, Over 2.5 goals appears a strong possibility, supported by the fact that Leverkusen’s last 21 Bundesliga games have all featured multiple goals. Additionally, the probability data indicates a balanced 1X2 outlook — 40% for a home win, 25% for a draw, and 36% for an away win — but the attacking profiles of both sides point toward an entertaining fixture.

Hamburger SV vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 58% probability.