Two struggling teams collide in the Europa League on Thursday as Hoffenheim hosts Tottenham Hotspur at the PreZero Arena. Both clubs are battling injuries and inconsistency, making this penultimate league phase clash crucial for their hopes of advancing.
Tottenham, currently sitting 15th in the Premier League, will aim to secure a rare away win to climb into the top eight of the Europa League standings. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, is desperate to build on their recent Bundesliga victory to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Match Details
- Location: PreZero Arena, Sinsheim, Germany
- Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT
- Referee: Morten Krogh (DEN)
- VAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Hoffenheim vs Tottenham: Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Hoffenheim and Tottenham Hotspur.
Current Form (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
| Hoffenheim | Tottenham |
|---|---|
| Holstein Kiel 1-3 Hoffenheim | Everton 3-2 Tottenham |
| Bayern Munich 5-0 Hoffenheim | Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham |
| Hoffenheim 0-1 Wolfsburg | Tamworth 0-3 Tottenham (AET) |
| Hoffenheim 1-2 Monchengladbach | Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool |
| Dortmund 1-1 Hoffenheim | Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle |
Team News
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim continues to deal with an injury crisis, with several key players unavailable:
- Out: Florian Grillitsch, Grischa Prömel, Ihlas Bebou, Marius Bülter, and Ozan Kabak.
- One to Watch: Tom Bischof, the young midfielder set to join Bayern Munich in the summer, will be crucial in controlling the tempo.
- Key Threats: Andrej Kramarić and Adam Hložek lead Hoffenheim’s attack and will look to exploit Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Baumann; Gendrey, Chaves, Akpoguma, Prass; Bischof, Stach; Kaderabek, Kramaric, Hložek; Moerstedt.
Tottenham
Tottenham also faces significant injury woes:
- Out: Cristian Romero, Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Djed Spence, Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, and Timo Werner.
- Available: Rodrigo Bentancur is fit to start, while Radu Drăgușin is expected to return to the lineup.
- Key Player: James Maddison will be pivotal in orchestrating Tottenham’s attack.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Austin; Porro, Drăgușin, Gray, Davies; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Moore.
Key Matchups
- Kramarić vs. Tottenham’s Defense
Kramarić’s creativity and finishing ability will test a makeshift Spurs backline. His partnership with Hložek could create headaches for the visitors. - Maddison vs. Bischof
Both playmakers are critical to their team’s success. Maddison’s experience and Bischof’s youthful energy make this an intriguing battle in midfield. - Tottenham’s Wingers vs. Hoffenheim’s Full-Backs
Kulusevski and Moore will look to exploit Hoffenheim’s defensive frailties on the flanks, particularly against a backline missing key players like Kabak.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate for points, and their injury-hit squads have struggled to find consistency. Hoffenheim’s home advantage and recent win could give them a slight edge, but Tottenham’s firepower in attack means they are always a threat.
Predicted Score: Hoffenheim 2-2 Tottenham
FAQs
1. What is at stake for Hoffenheim and Tottenham in this match?
Both teams are fighting for a play-off spot in the Europa League. A win for Tottenham could propel them into the top eight, while Hoffenheim needs points to stay in contention.
2. Who are the key players to watch?
For Hoffenheim, Andrej Kramarić and Tom Bischof are crucial. For Tottenham, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will be key.
3. What are the main challenges for both teams?
Both sides are dealing with significant injuries, which have disrupted their form and consistency.
4. Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany.
5. Who is likely to win?
The match is expected to be closely contested, with a 2-2 draw the most likely outcome given both teams’ form and injuries.
