FC Porto vs Hoffenheim Prediction: 24/10/2024

Porto faced Manchester United on matchday two, and things initially looked bleak after conceding two goals within the first 10 minutes. However, Porto managed to mount a comeback, taking the lead before conceding an equalizer to Maguire from a corner, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

This outcome likely left a bitter taste for Porto, especially since they needed a victory after losing 3-2 to Bodo/Glimt on the first matchday. In their domestic league, Porto had been in excellent form before the international break, securing four consecutive wins against Farense (2-1), Guimaraes (0-3), Arouca (4-0), and Braga (2-1). Last weekend, they played in the Portuguese Cup with a trip to Sintrense.

In contrast, Hoffenheim remains undefeated in the Europa League with a 1-1 draw against Midtjylland and a 2-0 home win over Dynamo Kyiv. However, their Bundesliga campaign tells a different story, with only four points earned from six matches. Hoffenheim has struggled on the road, losing twice—3-1 to Frankfurt and 2-1 to Union Berlin. As part of Bundesliga’s seventh matchday, Hoffenheim hosted Bochum last weekend.

Porto will be without key players Marcano, Zaidu, and Fran Navarro due to injuries. However, Samu Omorodion, who scored twice against United and has four league goals, will feature barring any last-minute issues. He has done well to fill the void left by Evanilson and Taremi, who departed during the summer transfer window.

Pepê (2 goals in the league) is expected to be fit, along with Canadian international Eustaquio. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, a Portuguese national team regular, will be eager to make amends for his mistakes in the United match.

Hoffenheim faces significant absences, including key midfielder Bebou (7 goals, 5 assists last season), backup Becker, defenders Kabak and Kaderabek, as well as midfielder Promel and forward Berisha (1 goal, 1 assist in the Bundesliga). Despite these setbacks, the ever-reliable Kramaric (4 goals, 2 assists in the Bundesliga) will be available, along with Bulter (3 goals).

 

Prediction

Porto has been in excellent form at home, with six victories in their recent matches, and they should be confident going into this contest. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, has struggled away from home, going winless in 11 consecutive Europa League away games, with nine losses.

Prediction: FC Porto 3-1 Hoffenheim