Hoffenheim - Lyon    (lost)

Reasoning: Hoffenheim’s defence has been terrible this season, and this cup competition is also giving them a major headache because they want to take it seriously, but at the same time, the league is their priority.. After 8 competitive matches, the Germans have conceded 19(!) goals, which is absolutely staggering. If things were even slightly different for them, I would consider Lyon’s absences of Openda, Šulc and Tagliafico a significant advantage today. However, that is not the situation, and I therefore have to point out that the quality Lyon already have is more than enough to score at least one goal against this defence.

Nakamura was a very important signing, which is precisely why, if rotation is necessary, we can already rule out one player from the equation, while Tolisso and Nuamah could also start today, alongside Merah, who has worked his way up through the youth international ranks and, whenever given an opportunity at Lyon, has repaid that trust with good performances, as his average ratings also show. So I am expecting plenty of motivation to prove themselves and attacking potential from Lyon today as well.

At the same time, Hoffenheim’s attacking play is strong, and after the aforementioned 2 defeats in 2 matches, they will also take this challenge seriously today. Hložek, Lemperle, Asllani and Daghim could all start, which is also what the main Hoffenheim publications, blogs and major sports newspapers are expecting.. Today, I’m sticking with the goals here as well, as that currently feels like the safer option to me.