German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim host Ludogorets Razgrad in the Europa League next week, with the home side having nothing more than pride to play for. However, with their opponents still hoping to make it through to the knockout phase of the competition with a win in Germany, the game is expected to be a close encounter at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
Europa League – Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Hoffenheim – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Ladbrokes |
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TSG Hoffenheim
Ludogorets RazgradMatch Preview
Hoffenheim take on Bulgarian side Ludogorets in Germany next week, with the emphasis on the visitors to take the game to their opponents due to their position in Group C. The hosts having already been knocked-out of the tournament after recording just one win from their five matches to date, however Ludogorets can qualify themselves with just a point against the Bundesliga side. For those still unsure of who to back in Germany next week, be sure to check out our top betting tip ahead of kick-off. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Hoffenheim Team News & Form
Hoffenheim come into this match off the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bundesliga rivals Hamburg, leaving them in seventh position in the standings. 30-year-old manager Julian Nagelsmann has been able to lead his team to just one victory in Europe this season also, with three defeats meaning that they are now not in a position to qualify for the next stage of the competition. A 3-1 defeat in Portugal against Braga last week confirmed their status at the bottom of the Group C standings, with German internationals Sandro Wagner and Serge Gnabry looking to help their team finish as high as possible.
Ludogorets Razgrad Team News & Form
Ludogorets come into their clash in Germany off the back of a win over Vitosha Bistritsa in the Bulgarian top-flight, a result that leaves them four points clear at the top of the standings. Having lost at home to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League last week, Ludogorets now need a single point to confirm their place in the next stage of the competition. Manager Dimitar Dimitrov has led his side to two wins and two draws from their matches to date, with the likes of Lucas Sasha and forward Juninho among their star performers to date.
Head to Head
Ludogorets’ 2-1 win over Hoffenheim earlier on in the season in Bulgaria was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their poor performances in the competition so far this season, their status as the home team next week means that it is Hoffenheim who are the firm favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 15/13 with Ladbrokes, while those looking to bet on a surprise away win for the Bulgarian side can get odds of 5/2 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being under 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes in Kiev, with best odds of 11/10 available at Ladbrokes.