Hoffenheim are currently facing difficulties in all areas, but this week could potentially be a turning point in their season. In their third Bundesliga match within eight days, they were able to climb out of the relegation zone with a crucial 3-1 victory against Holstein Kiel. This win ended their nine-game winless streak (D3, L6) across three different tournaments. Newly appointed manager Christian Ilzer described the win as “liberating” and is hopeful that it will motivate the team to push forward. As they enter the penultimate round of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), they are only one point behind the 24th team that will advance from the league phase. With limited opportunities remaining to keep their campaign alive, their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur could be their last chance. However, their task will not be easy as they have yet to secure a single point against English opponents (L4).
Tottenham, on the other hand, is facing a rough patch in the Premier League, with relegation fears becoming a reality after only one win in their last ten matches (D2, L7) against Southampton. Manager Ange Postecoglou may welcome the change of competition, as they have previously performed well in the League Cup and FA Cup. Despite their injury crisis and only three wins in the UEL league phase (D2, L1), Tottenham is still considered one of the favourites to win the trophy, along with Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao. However, their performance away from home has not been impressive, although they were able to secure four points in their two away matches in the league phase as favourites.
Keep an eye on Adam Hložek, who scored a brace in the UEL against Dynamo Kyiv, and Richarlison, who recently scored in his first game back from injury and will be looking to continue his scoring streak in this competition. Interestingly, Hoffenheim failed to score in seven of their last eight losses across all competitions.
