Hoffenheim's strongest recent attacks came from short combinations that moved players into the box. Lyon retain wide suppliers but have changed the player receiving their final passes. The match should turn on how quickly those connections develop after the first pressure is beaten.
Prass supplied Conté against Gladbach, and Hložek then supplied Prass. Those exchanges gave Hoffenheim more useful access than possession ending in distant attempts. Lyon have recently allowed opponents to reach crosses and second balls even during their wins, making the movement around the flanks especially relevant here.
Lyon's change is specific: Šulc finished close-range chances against Palace and Nice, but his newer knee problem rules him out alongside Openda. Fonseca has announced Himbert as a starter; he was unused against Nice. Hoffenheim retain the attacking options behind their Gladbach combinations, despite continuing defensive and midfield absences.
I expect the hosts to push for territory and work the ball through those exchanges, with the contest developing around Lyon's wide cover and the first pass out. Hoffenheim also restored their lead soon after Gladbach equalised, showing a recent attacking response. Their available connections carry more current execution evidence in this matchup, so I'm siding with Hoffenheim to win.
