Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
This season serves as a crucial test for Porto, with André Villas-Boas debuting as the club's president. Their European campaign hasn't hit its stride yet, as the team has yet to secure a victory ahead of their clash with Hoffenheim.
Porto
Nevertheless, Porto's Europa League matches have been entertaining with plenty of goals. Initially, the team suffered a defeat to Bodø/Glimt (3:2) in the Arctic Circle, followed by a draw against Manchester United (3:3) at the Estádio do Dragão, where a late goal from Harry Maguire denied them the win. On Sunday, Wenderson Galeno starred for the team in a cup match against Sintrense (3:0), scoring 1+1. Former Atlético Madrid player Samuel Omorodion has scored three goals in the Europa League and recently netted four times for Spain's youth national team.
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim's less than desirable standing in both the Bundesliga and Europa League keeps Pellegrino Matarazzo's position precarious, though they managed a win against VfL Bochum (3:1) on Saturday, generating 2.40 xG with 12 shots. The return of Andrej Kramarić, who scored in the last league match, boosts their lineup, with Haris Tabaković providing quality off the bench. In the Europa League, their encounters have been less thrilling against FC Midtjylland (1:1) and Dynamo Kyiv (2:0), but they will field a strong squad in Portugal.
Porto vs Hoffenheim Prediction
Porto have been involved in a string of seven matches in the past five weeks that have gone the total over 2.5. Against Hoffenheim, the hosts will push for victory, creating chances while also allowing their opponents opportunities to attack.
