Struggling Crystal Palace return to familiar surroundings on Thursday, hosting Hoffenheim at Selhurst Park in the fourth round of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase. Neither side have performed to the expected standard so far, and both will be looking to give their European campaigns a boost as the league phase enters its second half.
Despite an underwhelming domestic campaign last season, Crystal Palace secured back-to-back European appearances and qualified for the Europa League for the first time after lifting the Conference League crown last season.
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The Eagles made light work of Lech Poznan in their tournament opener in September, coasting to a 4-0 victory over the Polish outfit. However, Palace’s fortunes on the continental stage have deteriorated since then, coinciding with their wider struggles for results as pressure continues to mount on head coach Pierre Sage.
Following a 3-2 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais in the second round, Palace had to settle for a point in their 2-2 draw with 10-man Besiktas. Quickfire goals from Yeremy Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta saw the Eagles overturn an early deficit, only to concede again in the 73rd minute.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim’s form at the start of the season was a far cry from their excellent 2025-26 campaign. Christian Ilzer’s men lost six of their first eight games across all competitions, including defeats to Greek side OFI Crete and Besiktas in their first two league phase matches.
Die Kraichgauer were vastly improved when they welcomed Olympique Lyonnais last time out, claiming a thoroughly deserved 3-0 victory over the French side. However, they have since reverted to old habits, recently crashing out of their domestic cup at the hands of a second-tier club.
The visitors will hope that a switch to continental action can provide just the jolt they need to regain their footing.
Crystal Palace vs Hoffenheim Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides have never met in competitive action ahead of Thursday’s encounter.
- Hoffenheim have lost all five of their UEFA encounters against English opposition, most recently falling 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur during the 2024-25 Europa League league phase.
- Palace’s only previous encounter against French opposition came in last season’s Conference League, when they faced Strasbourg, losing the league-phase clash 2-1.
- Both sides have conceded five goals apiece in the league phase so far. The Eagles, however, boast the superior attacking record, having scored eight goals compared to Hoffenheim’s five.
Crystal Palace vs Hoffenheim Prediction
Although neither side have been in particularly convincing form, we are tipping Palace to edge this one.
The Eagles have won two of their last three games at Selhurst Park, a record that bodes well for their chances against a Hoffenheim side that have lost five of their last six away games.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Hoffenheim
Crystal Palace vs Hoffenheim Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Crystal Palace to win
Tip 2 – Goals – Over/Under 2.5 – Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
