Hoffenheim vs. Tottenham Hotspur Europa League Preview: Clash of the Titans

Everything is very, very bad for Tottenham Hotspur right now, but options are still on the table. For Ange Postecoglou to save this season – and perhaps his job – silverware looks a necessity, or some deep runs in cup competitions at the very least. A trophy may feel overly hopeful, but supporters need something to grab hold of as the season drags on.

Spurs are still in a decent position in the Europa League despite zero wins in their last three league games. Wins against Hoffenheim on Thursday and Elfsborg next week are likely to be required for a bye to the round of 16. Dropping points could still see them progress to the knockout stages, but continued failure against struggling opposition would no doubt add to the ever-growing frustration.

Hoffenheim (27th, 6 pts) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (t-8th, 11 pts)

Date: Thursday 23 January
Time: 12.45pm ET, 5.45pm UK
Location: PreZero Arena, Sinsheim, Germany
TV: Paramount+ (US), TNT Sports 2 (UK)

Hoffenheim are in even worse shape than Tottenham. Just three points above the Bundesliga’s relegation zone, Saturday’s victory over 17th-placed Holstein Kiel was their first win in seven league games and only their second in the last 11 matches. The Europa League has been no more promising, with one win in six matches and just two goals scored in the last four matchweeks, leaving the German side outside the top 24 heading into Thursday.

These teams have never met in a competition, although Tottenham have plenty of experience against Bundesliga opposition. Spurs took four points from Eintracht Frankfurt in last season’s Champions League group stage but were awful in the 2019/20 campaign against both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Hoffenheim’s European history is limited, but they have faced Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years, losing all four games.

Exhaustion pillow fight

Both teams come into this game hampered by significant injury lists. Spurs’ absences are well documented, with key players unavailable in all areas of the pitch, and the absences are growing by the day. To make matters worse, Antonin Kinsky is ineligible for Europa League selection, as are Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon, leaving Postecoglou with even fewer options. Hoffenheim are also missing several regulars, although it doesn’t look like much quality will be needed to trouble Tottenham right now.

Hoffenheim’s attack has struggled to score, sitting 13th in the Bundesliga this season and in the bottom 10 of the Europa League. While the Spurs’ defense full of backups remains a concern, this is where the game could be decided. Hoffenheim had plenty of success on the ball and attacking the net last season (6th in the Bundesliga) but have completely fallen off this year. But if Dr. Tottenham show up again, the visitors will be in trouble.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s ability to create scoring opportunities feels marginally more reliable. Hoffenheim’s defensive record in Europe has been better than domestically, but three of the last four European opponents have scored more goals. Even with all the injuries – now including Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson – Spurs should get some chances, especially against a team that will likely play wide open at home. With assembly errors and increased pressure on the cups, anything short of three points will not be received well.