Hoffenheim vs FCSB Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | Europa League, December 12, 2024

Hoffenheim vs FCSB Preview

• Date: Thursday, December 12
• Kick-off Time: 5:45 pm GMT
• Venue: PreZero Arena, Germany

Hoffenheim and FCSB will clash against each other as a part of the league phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League. The Germans have endured a difficult time so far in the competition with five points from five matches. FCSB, on the other hand, has enjoyed great success in the Europa League. The Romanian outfit is sitting in the tenth spot on the back of 10 points from five outings. The Hoffenheim vs FCSB match promises to be a great spectacle for the supporters involved.

Hoffenheim will be dismayed and discontent with how the recent matches have played out. In the last six games, the Bundesliga club has managed to obtain just a solitary victory to go with three defeats and two draws. Unfortunately, Hoffenheim is struggling at both ends of the pitch with no clean sheets and only five goals scored in the last five matches. Direct qualification to knockout rounds of the Europa League might be unattainable now but the side’s full focus will now be on securing a playoff spot.

FCSB will be content and satisfied with its latest results. FCSB has acquired four victories accompanied by a draw and a defeat with an aggregate score of 11-4. Some of the underwhelming displays have cost FCSB the lead at the summit in the Romanian first division. The side is still at the top due to the head-to-head advantage. FCSB will be eager to jump into the top eight and earn direct qualification.

Hoffenheim Team News

Hoffenheim’s head coach, Christian Ilzer will have quite a long injury list to deal with on Thursday. Christopher Lenz (Calf Injury), Finn Becker (Meniscus Injury), Florian Grillitsch (Ankle Injury), Grischa Prömel (Cruciate Ligament Injury), Ihlas Bebou (Injured), Marius Bütler (Hamstring Injury), Ozan Kabak (Cruciate Ligament Injury), and Umut Tohumcu (Ankle Injury) will all have to sit out for the German club.

FCSB Team News

Daniel Birligea will miss the game due to a suspension. Mihai Lixandru’s participation is also uncertain as he recovers from a muscle injury.

Also Read: Lille vs Sturm Graz Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | UEFA Champions League, December 11, 2024

Hoffenheim vs FCSB Predicted Lineups

Hoffenheim Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Baumann

Defenders: Gendrey, Chaves, N’Soki, Prass

Midfielders: Stach, Samassekou, Larsen

Forwards: Bischof, Hlozek, Kramaric

FCSB Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Tarnovanu

Defenders: Cretu, Popescu, Dawa, Radunovic

Midfielders: Tanase, Chiriches, Olaru

Forwards: Stefanescu, Popa, Toma

Hoffenheim vs FCSB H2H Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United. Both clubs will be eager to make their mark on this fixture.

Key Players to Watch in Hoffenheim vs FCSB

Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)

Andrej Kramaric is one of the most experienced and accomplished Croatians in European football. Kramaric joined Hoffenheim in 2015 after stints with clubs like Leicester City and Dinamo Zagreb. Andrej Kramaric has registered five goals and two assists this season already. The 33-year-old is an important and valuable part of Hoffenheim due to his ability to play in multiple positions like an advanced playmaker, a central midfielder, a left-winger, and a centre-forward.

Hoffenheim vs FCSB Prediction

Hoffenheim will back on the superior individual quality in its ranks. However, form and the league standings endorse a comfortable victory for the Romanian outfit, FCSB.

Predicted Score: Hoffenheim 2-3 FCSB

Where to watch Hoffenheim vs FCSB Live?