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Hoffenheim is having a tough season in the Bundesliga, currently in 14th place, and is dangerously close to the relegation zone. They recently hosted Freiburg after playing Wolfsburg in the German Cup. However, their performance in the Europa League has been somewhat better, as they are ranked 25th in the league phase, just outside the top 24 spots needed to reach the play-offs. Hoffenheim managed a 2-2 draw against Lyon but suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Braga in November.
FCSB, also known as Steaua Bucharest, has been more successful in the Europa League, sitting in 10th place and tied on points with the 6th-place team. Their goal is to finish in the top 8 to secure a direct place in the round of 16. Before the international break in November, they won 2-0 against Midtjylland and drew 0-0 with Olympiakos. In their domestic league, they are 3rd, just one point behind the leader, after a 4-1 win over Otelul and a home match against Botosani.
Hoffenheim has several key absentees for their Europa League campaign. Turkish defender Kabak and forward Bebou have not played this season due to injury and were not registered for the league phase. Additionally, midfielder Prömel, full-back Lenz, and striker Bülter (who has scored 4 Bundesliga goals) are all sidelined. Midfielders Tohumcu and Grillitsch are also doubtful. Hlozek, with two goals in the Europa League, is Hoffenheim’s top scorer in the competition, but star player Kramaric has yet to find the net.
FCSB is missing important players such as midfielder Lixandru and forward Baluta, who has scored 5 goals across all competitions. Winger Luis Phelipe, defender Chiriches, and Popescu are also likely to be unavailable. Forward Birligea, who has scored 10 goals this season, including 3 in the Europa League, is suspended after receiving a red card in the last match. Additionally, several FCSB players, including goalkeeper Tarnovanu, risk suspension if they accumulate another yellow card.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled with draws recently, with FCSB drawing four of their last five matches in the second tier, while Hoffenheim has shared points in four of their last seven Europa League games. Considering current form and team circumstances, FCSB is more likely to come out on top.
Prediction: Hoffenheim 0 : 2 FCSB
