Borussia Mönchengladbach host 1899 Hoffenheim at Borussia-Park on October 18 in Regular Season - 6, a Bundesliga fixture with extra weight because of the standings. Gladbach sit 18th and Hoffenheim 17th, so two sides at the bottom of the table meet on Matchday 6, just as the season begins to take shape.

The main storyline is form. Gladbach's three Bundesliga matches in the data are all defeats: 5-0 at SC Freiburg on September 12, 4-3 at home to FSV Mainz 05 on September 19, and 2-1 at 1. FC Köln on October 11. That is four goals scored and eleven conceded across those games, so defence is the clear concern for Alexander Blessin's side. Hoffenheim's league run is also difficult. After a 2-1 home win over VfB Stuttgart on September 12, they lost 3-1 at SC Paderborn 07 on September 20 and 3-2 at home to Hamburger SV on October 10. Both teams have conceded heavily, which makes for a meeting between two sides still searching for defensive stability.

The secondary factor is schedule. Hoffenheim played in the UEFA Europa League on October 15, losing 2-3 at home to Beşiktaş in League Stage - 2, which leaves them with a shorter turnaround than Gladbach. Gladbach's most recent fixtures outside the league were club friendlies on September