The club from Sinsheim challenged for a place among the Bundesliga’s top four but ultimately finished fifth. This season, they began with a cup victory, but then defeated only Stuttgart, losing to all their other league opponents, including Paderborn. In October, they also lost 2-3 to Hamburg, and did so at home.
The Istanbul giants endured a disastrous campaign last season, failing to make a real impact in European competition. They finished only fourth in the Super Lig, falling behind not only city rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but also Trabzonspor. However, things have gone much better this season: with Italiano now in charge, they won four of their first five league matches before suffering a shock defeat to Amed. After the international break, they faced a difficult test against Kocaelispor but prevailed 2-1.
The Germans also made a poor start to their Europa League campaign. They suffered a convincing 0-2 defeat away to OFI. The Turks began their European journey in the summer qualifying rounds, comfortably overcoming Midtjylland, Hradec Kralove and Zalgiris Kaunas. Then, in the opening round, they sensationally thrashed Marseille 4-1 at home!
Previous meetings: Hoffenheim vs. Besiktas
Ten years ago, in the summer of 2016, the teams played out a goalless draw in a friendly.
Hoffenheim are expected to win. However, the visitors are in good enough form to avoid defeat here (odds – 1.8).
Hoffenheim vs. Besiktas: key statistics and trends
Hoffenheim have lost five of their last six matches
Hoffenheim score an average of 1.8 goals and concede 2.6 goals per match
Both teams have scored in 100% of Hoffenheim’s matches, while the average total is 4.4 goals per game
Besiktas have won six of their last seven Europa League matches
Besiktas score an average of 2.29 goals and concede 1.14 goals per match
Both teams have scored in 57% of Besiktas matches, while the average total is 3.43 goals per game.
Hoffenheim vs. Besiktas: possible starting lineups
Hoffenheim play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Baumann – Rots, Haydari, Kabak, Coufal – Burger, Avdullahu – Hlozek, De Ketelaere, Wimmer – Lemperle
Besiktas play in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (possible lineup): Nubel – Ouattara, Topcu, Agbadou, Murillo – Ozcan – Fakili, Kökçü, Olayinka, Cerny – Vlahovic
