The Opposite View: Hoffenheim captain expecting 'major challenge'
Seasoned goalkeeper Oliver Baumann – who captains Palace's opponents tonight (17:45 GMT), Bundesliga outfit HSG Hoffenheim – has given his verdict on the challenge ahead for his side.
In their captain's words...
In his pre-match press conference, Baumann – who has made over 400 Bundesliga appearances for the German side – noted: "I’ve already had the opportunity to play against one or two Premier League opponents. They always have individually very strong, very fast and physically robust players.
"It will be a major challenge for us. But I’m looking forward to it.”
After finishing fifth in the league last season to qualify for the Europa League, Hoffenheim have had an indifferent start domestically, with three wins and five defeats.
In the Europa League, they sit on three points – one behind Palace – after three matches, having dispatched Olympique Lyonnais emphatically, 3-0, in Sinsheim last time out.
"The win against Lyon did us a world of good," Baumann reiterated. "We had set our sights a bit higher in the first few games.
"We've seen that we can pick up points in the Europa League and move up the table. We've built up a good feeling and want to put on a good performance in London as well.”
In their manager's words...
Chris Ilzer, who has been in charge since November 2024, noted: "It will be an exciting and challenging task.
"Both clubs are in a similar situation in the league. Both Crystal Palace and we want to gain confidence in the UEFA Europa League for the league. It promises to be an intense game.
"For us, it will be important to get off to a good start. I expect Crystal Palace to want to take over the stadium immediately. It could be very intense.
"We have to play our game. If we manage that, our chances of getting a point will also increase. We have prepared well and are looking forward to it.
“There’s always a lot of discussion about which league is better than the other. But it’s quite clear that the Premier League is above all others. That’s why Crystal Palace’s league position is irrelevant.
"They’ve performed well in the UEFA Europa League. We’re facing an opponent with a lot of power and dynamism. Nevertheless, we want to cause them problems. We want to grow from challenges like these.”
Hoffenheim Team News
The visitors are undergoing something of an injury crisis this season which has played a part in their indifferent league form, with an expected nine first-team absences at Selhurst Park.
They are particularly short of defensive personnel, with Valentin Gendrey sidelined with a fractured fibula; Albian Hajdari suffering with a long-term foot injury; and Robin Hranac the victim of a knee injury, all missing in recent weeks.
Summer recruit Nathan De Cat has been sidelined with a knee problem since his arrival from Anderlecht, whilst another summer arrival in attacker Patrick Wimmer has a muscular injury, and fellow forward Max Moerstedt is also a doubt.
A familiar face in the Hoffenheim squad, former West Ham full-back, Vladimir Coufal, has also been affected by a thigh issue, whilst Adam Hlozek was missing from Saturday's defeat at Werder Bremen.
For Palace's team news head here.
Match Details
Crystal Palace v TSG Hoffenheim
- Thursday, 5th November
- 17:45 GMT
- UEFA Europa League
- Selhurst Park
- Tickets available here.
- Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.