It’s the final matchday of the Europa League’s new League Phase and it all comes down to this. Teams will seal their fate, whether that be for better or for worse.
Thursday night will see Hoffenheim travel to Anderlecht in a bid to survive elimination. They need a miracle but anything is possible in cup competition. Anderlecht will be trying to secure automatic passage to the last 16, but must overcome one more hurdle before they can relax.
If you’re planning a football bet on the Europa League this week, then 777 Sport has a wide range of sports betting odds and markets.
Anderlecht vs Hoffenheim Preview
After their loss to Viktoria Plzen in the last matchday, Anderlecht will be growing in anxiety ahead of their home clash with Hoffenheim. Sitting 7th in the league currently, they are in line for automatic qualification as things stand. But with numerous teams beneath them and their eyes set on the knockout stage, they will have to be on top form come Thursday.
A big 4-1 win over Mechelen at the weekend, however, will provide them with confidence that they can get the job done. And realistically, nothing less than a win will guarantee their passage to the next phase of the Europa League.
After Hoffenheim’s standout 2023-24 season in which they achieved Europa League status, this campaign has fallen flat in comparison. Sitting 28th in this competition and 15th in the Bundesliga, they are three points and four goals adrift from even the play-off places in Europe.
It will take a mammoth turnaround and other results to go their way, such a level of fortune which can only be described as a miracle, in order to remain in the competition. It’s not looking likely for the German side, but you’ve got to be in it to win it – and only a win will give them any chance, however small, of survival.
Anderlecht vs Hoffenheim Odds
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Anderlecht are the narrow favourites, priced at 2.16 to win the game and progress to the next round. Hoffenheim to complete the upset in Belgium is at odds of 3.13.
Anderlecht vs Hoffenheim Betting Tips
Cage Match
We expect an extremely cagey tie given the stakes, so expect to see either side sit on a lead should they be able to find an opening. Both teams not to score is at 2.45.
Who, What, Huer
With injury doubts surrounding star striker Kasper Dolberg, Anderlecht may turn to new signing Cesar Huerta. The Mexican forward joined from UNAM Pumas this month and has managed to find the net once in his first two appearances. He’s priced at 3.21 to get his European tally started against Hoffenheim.
2’s Company
As previously discussed, we expect a nervy affair and sadly not a goal-fest. But it could be just as entertaining. Under 2.5 goals in the game is at 2.15.
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