Hoffenheim v Besiktas: Probable line-ups for Europa League clash

TSG Hoffenheim host Besiktas JK on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

The match is the second round of the Europa League league phase, with both sides’ expected starting line-ups now emerging ahead of the German-Turkish meeting.

TSG Hoffenheim

Christian Ilzer is expected to set Hoffenheim up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Oliver Baumann should start in goal, behind a defence of Vladimir Coufal, Ozan Kabak, Koki Machida and Mats Rots.

Leon Avdullahu and Wouter Burger are likely to form the midfield pairing, with Bambase Conte, Nathan De Cat and Adam Hlozek operating behind the striker.

Tim Lemperle is expected to lead the attack, although Andrej Kramaric is also an option for the central striking role.

Hoffenheim are expected to be without Albian Hajdari, who is unavailable because of a foot injury.

Probable Hoffenheim line-up: Oliver Baumann; Vladimir Coufal, Ozan Kabak, Koki Machida, Mats Rots; Leon Avdullahu, Wouter Burger; Bambase Conte, Nathan De Cat, Adam Hlozek; Tim Lemperle or Andrej Kramaric.

Besiktas JK

Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas are expected to use a 4-1-4-1 system.

Alexander Nubel is set to take his place in goal, with Michael Amir Murillo, Tiago Djalo, Emirhan Topcu and Rıdvan Yılmaz forming the back four.

Salih Ozcan is likely to play as the holding midfielder. Ilhan Fakılı, Junior Olaitan, Orkun Kokcu and Leandro Trossard are expected to line up across the midfield and attacking positions.

Hyeon-gyu Oh is the projected lone forward.

Vaclav Cerny is expected to miss the game with a thigh injury, while Dusan Vlahovic remains doubtful.

Probable Besiktas line-up: Alexander Nubel; Michael Amir Murillo, Tiago Djalo, Emirhan Topcu, Rıdvan Yılmaz; Salih Ozcan; Ilhan Fakılı, Junior Olaitan, Orkun Kokcu, Leandro Trossard; Hyeon-gyu Oh.

Both line-ups are provisional and remain subject to confirmation before kick-off.