Both teams are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, which sets up a fascinating midfield chess match. Paderborn's double pivot will try to screen the space in front of the back four and spring counters through the half‑spaces. But Hoffenheim's midfield duo of Burger and Avdullahu is physically imposing and tactically disciplined — they will look to dominate the ball and pin Paderborn back. The key zone is the wide areas. Hoffenheim's full‑backs, Coufal and Rots, love to push high, and with Wimmer and Hlozek drifting inside, they can overload the flanks. Paderborn's wingers will have to track back diligently or risk being pinned into a low block for long stretches. Set‑pieces are another weapon: Kabak and Hajdari are aerial threats from corners, and Paderborn have shown vulnerability in the air in recent games. The likely game state is Hoffenheim controlling possession, probing for gaps, while Paderborn sit deep and look to hit on the break. If the hosts score first, the mood shifts — but their lack of a Bundesliga goal this season makes that scenario feel unlikely.