Hoffenheim welcome Lyon to the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim on Thursday 22 October 2026 for a UEFA Europa League matchday three meeting of the draw specialists — all three previous meetings between these two clubs have ended level, including a 3-3 in the 2018 Champions League and a 2-2 at this very ground.
Our Hoffenheim vs Lyon prediction has to respect that history, even if the recent form points one way: Lyon arrive with four wins from their last five in all competitions (2-1 at home to Nice, 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace in the Europa League, 4-0 at home to Rennes and 2-1 away at Anderlecht), while Hoffenheim have managed just one win in five — yet the bookmakers still make the Germans favourites. Kickoff is at 20:00 WAT.
Hoffenheim vs Lyon Match Preview
Thursday’s clash is a fascinating one for punters: Lyon are the form team and made hard work of a 2-1 home win over Nice at the weekend, but the market insists Hoffenheim are the ones to beat. The hosts have been scoring freely but leaking at the back, losing 2-3 to Besiktas and 2-3 to Hamburger SV on home soil, while Lyon have scored two or more in each of their last four wins. Both defences have been leaking, which is why the goals markets look as interesting as the result here. Read on for our full Hoffenheim vs Lyon prediction, key stats and betting tips.
Team Recent Form
Hoffenheim — W-L-L-L-L (most recent first):
- 18 Oct: Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-2 Hoffenheim
- 15 Oct: Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas (UEL)
- 10 Oct: Hoffenheim 2-3 Hamburger SV
- 20 Sep: Paderborn 3-1 Hoffenheim
- 17 Sep: OFI Crete 2-0 Hoffenheim (UEL)
Lyon — W-W-L-W-W (most recent first):
- 18 Oct: Lyon 2-1 Nice
- 15 Oct: Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace (UEL)
- 9 Oct: Lens 2-1 Lyon
- 19 Sep: Lyon 4-0 Rennes
- 16 Sep: Anderlecht 1-2 Lyon (UEL)
Key Stats
- All three previous meetings between Hoffenheim and Lyon ended in draws.
- Lyon have won four of their last five in all competitions; Hoffenheim have just one win in five.
- Bookmakers still favour Hoffenheim (BetMGM -100, ≈2.00) over Lyon (+230, ≈3.30).
2-2 — history says these two cannot be separated, and with both attacks firing and both defences wobbling, another high-scoring stalemate looks the value.
Hoffenheim vs Lyon H2H
- 3 previous meetings, all draws — 0 wins apiece.
- Hoffenheim 3-3 Lyon in the 2018 Champions League (Sportytrader).
- Most recent meeting: Hoffenheim 2-2 Lyon at the PreZero Arena (Sportsgambler).
- The score and date of the third meeting are not found.
Pre Game Odds
- Hoffenheim win: -100 (≈2.00) — BetMGM via sportsgambler, 20 Oct.
- Draw: not found — no draw price was quoted by the source.
- Lyon win: +230 (≈3.30) — BetMGM via sportsgambler, 20 Oct.
- Khel Now: Lyon to win @12/5 (10bet).
Team News Hoffenheim
Nathan De Cat is out with a knee injury, Albian Hajdari is out with a foot problem and Patrick Wimmer is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Team News Lyon
Nicolas Tagliafico is out with a muscle injury, Mohamed Ouedraogo is out with a cruciate injury for the season and Lois Openda is sidelined with a leg problem.
Possible lineups, per Sports Mole:
Hoffenheim possible lineup (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Machida, Bernardo; Avdullahu, Burger; Conte, Asllani, Daghim; Lemperle. Sportsgambler have Hlozek for Lemperle and Kramaric for Conte — the striker spot is uncertain.
Lyon possible lineup (4-2-3-1): Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate, Abner; Tessmann, Morton; Nuamah, Tolisso, Nakamura; Sulc. Sportsgambler have Nakamura leading the line with Merah behind — the attacking shape is uncertain.
Hoffenheim vs Lyon Betting Tips
Our Hoffenheim vs Lyon prediction selections for the three main markets are:
Tip 1 — Result: Draw. All three previous meetings ended level and this pair keep drawing; take the draw again.
Tip 2 — Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals. Both attacks are firing and both defences are leaking — expect goals in Sinsheim.
Tip 3 — BTTS Yes/No: Yes. Both teams have been scoring and conceding freely, so both to score is the value play.
Verdict: Hoffenheim vs Lyon should be another entertaining, high-scoring stalemate. Our Hoffenheim vs Lyon prediction is a draw, with over 2.5 goals and both teams to score completing the tips. Kickoff on Thursday 22 October 2026 is at 20:00 WAT.
