Erzgebirge Aue vs TSG Hoffenheim Predictions, Picks & Odds – 22/08/2026

DFB Pokal · 1st Round

22 Aug 2026 Erzgebirgsstadion Louis Hecq

Erzgebirge Aue vs TSG Hoffenheim – Best bets of the match

Bookmaker	1	X	2	Bonus info
Betfred	15.00	8.50	1.10	View odds

Our prediction

2: TSG Hoffenheim to win

1.10 on Betfred

· Confidence High

Odds recorded on 17 Sep 2026 at 04:07 · Odds are subject to change

Erzgebirge Aue vs TSG Hoffenheim Preview

Erzgebirge Aue earned their place in the first round of the DFB Pokal by lifting the Saxony Cup, and they arrive in decent nick. The fourth-tier side have won three of their five competitive outings this season, with just one defeat, a 3-1 reverse against Chemnitzer on 15 August. Having already banked several matches, Aue hold a fitness advantage over their Bundesliga visitors. Patrick Kapp faces his former training club, adding a personal subplot to proceedings at the Erzgebirgsstadion.

TSG Hoffenheim begin their competitive campaign here under Christian Ilzer, who has publicly acknowledged the dangers of Pokal football despite his side's clear superiority on paper. Their pre-season form reads encouragingly, with three wins and two draws from five outings. Ilzer confirmed Luca Philipp will start between the posts and stressed the need to respect opponents who already have competitive minutes in their legs. Hoffenheim's Pokal pedigree, however, is patchy, and early-round exits have haunted them before.

The four-division gulf between these two sides is the central factor behind our away win selection at 1.10. Hoffenheim's recent form reads impressively, with three wins and two draws from their last five outings, and Christian Ilzer's squad carry far superior quality across every position. Aue's competitive sharpness from five league matches already played could cause early problems, but class should tell over ninety minutes.

Backing over 2.5 goals at N/A looks a sound supplementary pick. Hoffenheim possess the attacking firepower to breach a fourth-tier defence multiple times, while Aue have shown they can find the net themselves, scoring in all but one of their competitive fixtures this season. The hosts will fancy a go at home in front of their own supporters, which should open the match up.

Both teams to score at 2.00 completes our selections. Ilzer himself acknowledged that Aue's match fitness advantage deserves respect, and Pokal history is littered with lower-league sides grabbing goals against top-flight opponents. Luca Philipp starts in goal for Hoffenheim, offering Aue an unfamiliar face to test. Expect the visitors to progress comfortably, but not without conceding along the way. Odds correct at time of publication.