Hoffenheim vs Lyon prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-06 20:00.
[p]It’s turning out to be an underwhelming season for Hoffenheim after they were routinely beaten 2-0 by St Pauli at the weekend, a result which dropped the hosts into the Bundesliga’s bottom three after nine matches. So far, the Kraichgauers have taken just two wins across that time (D2, L5), with manager Pellegrino Matarazzo looking more and more likely to be dismissed in the very near future.[/p]
[p]He’ll therefore be desperate for his side to get back to winning ways on their return to UEFA Europa League (UEL) action to ease some of the pressure that he’s currently facing. A positive result could be deemed unlikely if the German side’s latest continental match is anything to go by, as they were defeated 2-0 by Porto and now face the prospect of losing consecutive matches in the UEL proper for the first time since September 2017.[/p]
[p]Even though Lyon discovered solid form throughout September and early October, they will make the short hop over the border in more of a wayward shape after some recent stumbles. Their latest setback was a 1-1 draw with Lille, a result which extended their winless run across all competitions to three straight matches (D2, L1), the first of which came in the form of a 1-0 UEL defeat to Beşiktaş. [/p]
[p]Thankfully for the visitors that loss came on the back of them winning each of their first two league phase outings, so they’ll look to further strengthen their top-eight qualification prospects with another three-point haul in Germany. That could be harder to achieve than they’d hope though, as Lyon have won just two of their last 11 clashes with German sides in European action (D4, L5)![/p]
[p]Players to watch: Andrej Kramarić has plenty of experience in this competition, scoring eight goals across 23 appearances, with each of his two goalscoring UEL outings for Hoffenheim ending in victory. Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette is likely to make his 52nd competition appearance here and considering that he’s netted 24 goals in that time, including two away strikes this campaign, he could be the visitors’ biggest hope. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Hoffenheim have received just two yellow cards in the UEL this season, with only Tottenham picking up fewer ahead of the round (one). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]