It has been another reliable start to the domestic season for FC Porto, but they are yet to scale the same heights in the Europa League this term.
The Portuguese side are winless in their first two European matches, and there will be more eyes on the club this week with the pressure mounting on Vitor Bruno.
Hoffenheim have remained unbeaten across their first two matches in the Europa League this season, and confidence would have been gained following their win over Dynamo Kyiv on matchday two.
But, can the Bundesliga club upset the odds in Porto this week?
Odds
Porto will be the clear favorites on the moneyline to record a first Europa League win of the season on Thursday. Hoffenheim may be overlooked at +490.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Porto | -192 |
| Draw | +348 |
| Hoffenheim | +490 |
Hoffenheim Chasing First Win in Portugal
| Total | Porto | Hoffenheim | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Europa League Games | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides on Thursday. However, Hoffenheim has lost on its only two trips to Portugal, the latest of which came against Braga in 2017.
🚨⚽ TIP: Under 3.0 Goals @ -103
Porto vs. Hoffenheim Key Stats
- Porto have won eight of their last 12 home matches in European competition against German opposition.
- The Portuguese side have lost just one of their last eight home matches in European competitions.
- Hoffenheim have gone five without an away defeat, but each of the last three have ended in draws.
Porto Team News
The home team will be without key defenders Ivan Marcano and Zaidu Sanusi this week. The latter is expected to return early next month. Fran Navarro is also absent until the start of November.
Possible Lineup
Diogo Costa (GK); Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen Perez, Francisco Moura, Stephen Eustaquio, Alan Varela, Nico Gonzalez, Pepe, Samu Omorodion, Galeno
Hoffenheim Team News
The German visitors will have just one injury concern ahead of the trip to Portugal. Maximilian Breunig will be absent for the match this week, as the forward recovers from a muscle injury.
Possible Lineup
Oliver Baumann (GK); Kevin Akpoguma, Anton Stach, Stanley Nsoki, Valentin Gendrey, Tom Buschof, Florian Grillitsch, Alexander Prass, Andrej Kramaric, Adam Hlozek, Jacon Bruun Larsen
Porto vs. Hoffenheim Prediction
Hoffenheim have failed to win against two previous Portuguese rivals, and this looks a stern test against a Porto side still chasing a first win in the Europa League this term.
However, the German side has the attacking quality to pose a threat against the second-worst defense in the competition. Therefore, a draw could be an interesting betting angle.
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