Hoffenheim – Lyon: Preview
We have the lineups for the match between Hoffenheim and Lyon in the third round of the common phase of the 2026/27 Europa League. In this round, representatives from Germany and France will clash. "Hoffenheim" will try to secure their first points in the competition. "Lyon" is focused on another win.
Key Points
Hoffenheim
1. Hoffenheim ends the losing streak
The German club has not managed to start the season with positive results: they lost six of nine matches. Over the last weekends, Hoffenheim ended a run of four consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 2–1. This success allowed them to escape the relegation zone. In European competitions, under the direction of Christian Ilgner, things are not going as well. In the early rounds they lost 0–2 to OFI and 2–3 to Besiktas. The chances of advancing to the playoff stage still exist, but they approach zero if the team does not start earning points.
2. Christian Ilgner rotates the squad in European competitions
Due to injuries, teammates Albian Haidari, Patrick Wimmer and Nathan De Cat cannot help. The rest of the players are ready for the match. In European competitions, Christian Ilgner gives playing time to rotation players. Bernardo, suspended in the Bundesliga, must come off the bench after resting on weekends. It is very likely that Ozan Kabak, Vauter Burgers, Adam Dagim and Andrei Krmarich will start, as they play in the core of European competitions and have had little game time in the league last round. In contrast, Bambasse Conte and Tim Lemperele will probably rest. The coach relies on them in the league.
3. Hoffenheim is strong in attack, but the defense raises doubts
The "villagers" have played nine matches this season, scoring 17 goals, an average of two per game. In the last three matches, the team consistently scored two goals: Hamburg 2–3, Besiktas 2–3 and Borussia M. 2–1. In the same matches, the defensive problem is also visible: the Germans conceded 19 goals this season, more than they scored. In four of the last five matches, Hoffenheim conceded at least twice. Only the "crisis horses" could not score the second goal. Even at home, the team does not impress, losing three of four matches, all with the same score 2–3. A good offense does not compensate for regular defensive lapses.
Lyon
1. Lyon in good form
Paulo Fonseca has prepared the team excellently for the season. Lyon lost only one of the last eight matches of the season. Last week they secured important home victories: in the Europa League against Crystal Palace 3–2 and in the league against Nice 2–1. In Ligue 1, the "weavers" lead in additional metrics after seven rounds. In European competitions, they have a 100 % win rate and good chances of advancing to the playoffs; I recall that in the first round they beat Anderlecht 2–1.
2. Squad problems, but not critical
In the core of the "weavers" are Luis Openda, Nicolas Talifico and Mohamed Wedraogo. The rest of the players are ready. Curious is who will play in goal: Paulo Fonseca regularly rotates goalkeepers this season. In the last Europa League round, the main was Dominique Greff; in the league, Remy Desham stood out. Suppose the Slovak will take the spot, as he plays a bit more often this season. Overall, the French used different lineups last week. Therefore, in Germany it is expected that they will train in the starting lineup those who rested in Ligue 1: Felix Bacher, Ruben Kluever, Tyler Morton, Corentin Tolisso, Khalis Mer, Ernest Nua and Keito Nakamuru. There is no doubt that, if not all, most will get playing time. Paulo Fonseca tries to distribute playing time evenly among all players. The leaders rest, and the rotation players are in game mode.
3. Balance in play and freshness of the visitors
Despite the wide rotation, and perhaps thanks to it, the French play spectacular football in every match, only in one of the 13 games of the season without scoring. The "weavers" attack is diverse and productive. Moreover, the visitors will be fresher than the opponent, as in European competitions and in Ligue 1 they play with different lineups. The away match statistics for Lyon in recent games are solid: two wins and draws with only one loss.
Approximate lineups
4-2-3-1-4-2-3-1-1
Baumann 13
Bernardo 28
Matida 5
Kabak 34
Cousafal 7
Abdulhuhu 18
Burgers 14
Dagim 10
Gloucek 27
Krmarich 11
Aslan 1
Griff 13
Ateka 20
Bacher 21
Kluever 16
Vinicius 99
Nart 23
Morton 7
Nuama 18
Mer 8
Tolisso 11
Nakamura
Trend betting
All three matches between Hoffenheim and Lyon in history ended in a draw. Bet: H – 3.84.
Over 3.5 goals played in the three previous meetings between Hoffenheim and Lyon in history. Bet: TB 3.5 – 2.21.
Prediction
Hoffenheim vs Lyon 22.10.2026 23:00
The teams are heading the season differently both at home and in Europe. Hoffenheim only just ended the long losing streak last weekend, escaped the relegation zone in the Bundesliga, and in the Europa League the team still has not earned points.
Lyon won two matches last week, remains among the leaders in Ligue 1 and has a 100 % win rate in European competitions after two matches.
Both teams have good offensive play: on average they score two goals per match. In defense, the French seem more solid: they allow less than one goal frequently. The "villagers" consistently receive two goals, and in the last three home matches they lost 2–3.
Considering the defensive problems of the owners, the good form of the visitors and the greater squad availability of Paulo Fonseca, I assume that in a productive game the French will be stronger.
Prediction: 1-2
