Crystal Palace continue their 2026-27 UEFA Europa League journey in a league phase clash against Hoffenheim.
Victory could lift Palace as high as the top eight depending on results elsewhere, whilst Hoffenheim can leapfrog Palace into the seeded knockout play-off spots with a win.
Team News
Jean-Philippe Mateta is available for Palace because his suspension only applies to their next domestic match.
Quinten Timber (thigh) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (ankle) could be in contention to return.
Ismaila Sarr (groin), Chadi Riad (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf) remain absent.
Hoffenheim have no fresh injury concerns to report after a 2-0 loss at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Bambase Conte, Albian Hajdari, Robin Hranac, Patrick Wimmer (all muscle), Valentin Gendrey (ankle) and Nathan De Cat (knee) are ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Palace host Hoffenheim at Selhurst Park on Thursday 5 November at 5:45pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Palace’s first competitive meeting against Hoffenheim.
- Hoffenheim are making their first competitive visit to Palace.
- Yeremy Pino has scored in all three of Palace’s league phase fixtures this season (W1, D1, L1).
- Hoffenheim have kept just one clean sheet in their three league phase fixtures (W1, L2).
Prediction
Amidst their domestic league struggles, Palace have made a solid start to life in the Europa League with four points from three difficult opening games but they have to offer more attacking quality than at Tottenham, where they were just outplayed yet defended well to concede just two goals.
Hoffenheim too suffered a 2-0 loss domestically last weekend but with a heavy injury crisis, they really need to put together a solid all-round performance and be clinical, otherwise this could be a tough ask for them as they can’t afford any more injuries.
I however do think that Palace will find a way through a likely stubborn Hoffenheim defence but patience might be key.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Hoffenheim
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