Hoffenheim have only failed to score once across their last eight matches, with that blank coming against Werder Bremen at the weekend - despite Hoffenheim taking 16 shots and registering an xG of 1.06.

Palace are a real mess at the moment. I know that we've seen Premier League sides have a real advantage in these lower level European competitions over recent seasons, but I think they look really vulnerable at the back.

They've kept just one clean sheet across their last eight matches, against a Fulham side who struggle in front of goal.

They've conceded 2+ goals in each of their last two Europa League matches against Besiktas and Lyon.

They did keep a clean sheet against Lech Poznan at home on Matchday 1, but that again is more down to the lack of scoring power from the opponent - Lech Poznan have only scored once across their three Europa League matches.

Pierre Sage’s men were hindered massively by an early red card for Jean-Philippe Mateta at the weekend, forcing them to sit deep in a low block for the entirety of the game. It has been a tough start to the season for Palace, as they currently sit in the relegation zone with the worst defensive record in the division. They have been inconsistent in Europe, with a record of one win, one draw and one loss, but over 2.5 goals has landed in all three of their matches.

Hoffenheim are another struggling side, sitting 12th in the Bundesliga. This is a clash between two poor defensive units, which makes goals a target.

Ozan Kabak has been a key contributor to that record, and he is averaging 2.65 fouls per 90 across all competitions. The former Liverpool man is a regular starter at the back for Hoffenheim, and he recorded two infringements against Werder Bremen at the weekend. Kabak has maintained his aggressive approach in the Europa League, racking up four fouls against Lyon last time out, which was enough to earn him a booking.

Prior to that, Kabak accumulated five infringements against Besiktas, and three fouls against Crete in round one. This is another tough matchup for the centre back, and the Palace forwards should keep him busy.

Mateta is likely to get the nod to start midweek, given his limited involvement against Spurs, and the fact he will be suspended for the next three league games. The striker has only recently returned from injury, but he has looked relatively sharp. Mateta found the back of the net against Besiktas in the previous round, which was his first start back after recovering. He followed that up with three shots against Newcastle, of which two hit the target, before being replaced after 62 minutes.

He will be Palace’s main threat in the final third on Thursday night, and will hope to take advantage of this leaky Hoffenheim rearguard.

Adam Hlozek looks set to lead the line for Hoffenheim here, and he is averaging 3.9 shots per 90 across all competitions this season. Hlozek comes into this clash in good form - he managed to score against Lyon in the previous round of the Europa League, despite only coming off the bench, and he started the next three matches since.

Hlozek landed this bet in all three appearances since, scoring another goal against Holstein Kiel in the DFB Pokal. Hlozek likes to try his luck from distance at times, and he is also a set-piece threat. He will be the target man for Hoffenheim going forward, and there are several ways he can get over this line midweek.