Lyon vs TSG Hoffenheim Predictions

Last month’s clash between these two brought a brilliant game, but a result neither side would have been too happy with. Hoffenheim and Lyon drew 3-3 in their first encounter, which ended up being one of the most thrilling games of the campaign so far. However, Lyon lost their lead in Germany, costing them two valuable points. Having failed to match their win at City against the Bundesliga side, Lyon had to settle for a point. Meanwhile, the hosts are still chasing a first win in this competition after that missed opportunity at home. How will they fare in Wednesday’s rematch?

Lyon come into this clash looking set to miss out on next season’s Champions League. They’re in fourth place in Ligue 1, four points shy of Lille. They are in a stronger position at the top of this group, as one of only two sides to win a game so far. They sit second on five points, three ahead of Hoffenheim and Shakhtar Donetsk. A victory in this clash should give them a six point lead over third with just two games to play, so Wednesday night could be a great night for the hosts. They’ll just need a little more composure.

Hoffenheim are a good side to face in the Champions League when you need a win. So far, they’ve failed to win a game at this level. Defeat to Man City and draws with the other two sides have left them in third, but a win at Lyon would send them back into the race for the last 16. They’ve left themselves an uphill task after struggling at home to OL, but the visitors’ high scoring nature makes them a threat in this one.

The away side may not have won in this competition, but they’re no stranger to goals. Every single one of their Champions League ties has seen at least three goals scored. On top of that, they’re averaging two goals per game in this group so far. They come into this one with 14 goals across their last four matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League, while their last two away trips in this competition have seen them lose 4-2 at Liverpool, and draw 2-2 at Shakhtar.

Lyon are no strangers to goals themselves. They have one clean sheet in seven, and they’ve scored twice in every European game this term. Their return to action at home in this competition brought a 2-2 draw with Shakhtar, so goals are easy to come by in this group. We see another thrilling tie in this group, so over 3.5 goals is our pick here.