Hoffenheim v Red Star Belgrade Betting Tips [22 October 2020]

Hoffenheim will be meeting a Serbian opponent for the first time ever when they open their UEFA Europa League Group ‘L’ campaign with a match against Red Star Belgrade at home. Hoffenheim are back in the Europa League after 2017/18, while Red Star are back in the competition after a one-year absence.

Hoffenheim have lost 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund over the weekend in Bundesliga making it back-to-back losses for the hosts. That has somewhat overshadowed an excellent 4-1 win over Bayern Munich earlier in the season. Furthermore, Hoffenheim’s poor record in the European competitions remains a cause of concern. The German side has managed just one win in their last 14 matches in Europe – including qualifying matches. This sequence saw them draw five and lose eight although scoring in all 14 matches.

Red Star travel here on the back of a goalless draw in the domestic league extending their unbeaten run to five matches – winning four and drawing one. The Serbian visitors have met German opposition only once, winning home and away 1-0. Even in the Europa League, Red Star have proven to be a stubborn opponent avoiding defeat in five of their last six matches. True to that record, Red Star have avoided defeat in four of their last five Europa League away matches winning two and drawing two. Although heavy underdogs here, the visitors will look to continue their strong record.

Hoffenheim haven’t been able to build up on their win over Bayern Munich, losing their last two matches. Additionally, Hoffenheim have struggled in Europe and that could be a huge bonus for the visitors. We are backing the visitors to spring a surprise and pick up at least a single point.