ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR VS HOFFENHEIM

The hosts have struggled even more than Hoffenheim in this group, picking up just one point from their opening three fixtures. They too need a win, though, it’s not easy to see them getting it.

As touched on above, Hoffenheim really have struggled to stamp their authority on this group. Zero points from their opening two matches was a disappointing return. Even though they beat this opposition in front of a home crowd two weeks ago, the German side are not guaranteed to follow up with another win here. In fact, the best way to play this one is to take the hosts on the ‘Double Chance’ market.

They may well have lost last week, but the Turks weren’t exactly disgraced in defeat. What’s more, they’re expected to prove much harder to get the better of on their own patch. Not only are Başakşehir generally tough to beat at home, but Hoffenheim have been struggling on the road of late, especially in this competition.

Home really is where the heart is for Başakşehir, who’re now unbeaten in five at home. What’s more, the Turkish outfit have lost just one of their last 33 on home soil. An impressive record indeed. A 0-0 draw against Ludogorets, in which they kept the visitors very quiet, in their only previous home match in this group also bodes well, particularly since Hoffenheim struggled against that opposition.

Not only do the hosts boast a positively eye-catching home record, but Hoffenheim’s woes are also a factor. Nagelsmann’s side have failed to win any of their last four travelling matches, while they’ve managed to win just one of their seven competitive matches on the road this season. Away at Ludogorets the German side struggled to hit their stride going forward and were weak at the back.

HEAD TO HEAD

Hoffenheim’s 3-1 win over Başakşehir, which took place just two weeks ago, is the only previous meeting between the two.

ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR VS HOFFENHEIM STATS

Hoffenheim have won just 14% of their away matches in all competitions this season.

ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR TEAM NEWS

Chedjou is the only confirmed absentee for the hosts, though, Korkmaz could also miss out.

HOFFENHEIM TEAM NEWS

Hoffenheim have a few concerns ahead of this match; both Kaderabek and Uth are out, while Bicakcic, Gnabry and Szalai could also be sideli

PREDICTION

ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR WIN OR DRAW