- Standings: Besiktas JK sit 4th in the UEFA Europa League 2026-2027 on 3 points from 1 game, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim are 29th with 0 points after 1 game.
- Form: Besiktas JK have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
The Craichgauer are struggling
Outlook
Die Kraichgauer could be in trouble on Thursday, as they face a solid Besiktas JK side at the SNP Arena. However, Hoffenheim have lost 3 of their last 5 in all competitions, so they seem a little vulnerable going into this matchup.
Tactics
Christian Ilzer has had the reins since November 2024 and his team are playing a flexible man-oriented pressing system that is designed to turn opponents over and create space for quick breaks.
Recent results
Their most recent 3 results have been a 2-0 away defeat to OFI FC in the UEFA Europa League, a 3-1 away loss to SC Paderborn 07 in the Bundesliga and a 3-2 home defeat to Hamburger SV in the same competition.
Besiktas look the most likely winners
Vincenzo Italiano has only been in charge of Besiktas since June 2026, but the Black Eagles have really taken to his high tempo, vertical pressing game that is making them a threat both in Europe and domestically.
So, the supply line is working and the Turkish visitors can hurt Hoffenheim.
- Their most recent 3 matches have been a 4-1 home win over Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Europa League, a 3-2 away loss to Amed Sportif Faaliyetler in the Super Lig and a 2-1 win at home to Kocaelispor in the same league.
- Junior Olaitan has made a great start to his first European campaign, recording 2 assists in 1 game, while Orkun Kokcu has 4 assists in Besiktas' last 5 matches.
An exciting game should ensue
Hoffenheim's pressing style often creates scrappy games, but the more open the play the better it suits Besiktas' game.
I'm predicting that The Black Eagles can win this game and I'm taking them to do so with both teams scoring. They will press Hoffenheim and cause havoc as they transition into their own attacks and Over 2.5 is the best bet for the goals to flow, both sides can score, but Besiktas JK should nick it.
