In what could prove to be a frantic Europa League showdown on Thursday night, Besiktas will travel to Germany when they meet Hoffenheim.Ahead of a stacked midweek schedule from across the continent, there are plenty of attractive Europa League betting promotions available.Verdict: Dusan Vlahovic over 0.5 shots on targetBest Odds: 2/5Bookmaker: BetUSHoffenheimStarting with the hosts, while Hoffenheim might have received a string of plaudits from across Germany’s elite last season, Christian Ilzer’s side have drastically failed to find a similar level this time around. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from September’s extended international break with a rollercoaster 3-2 defeat at home against Hamburger, the Blues find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Likewise, opening their Europa League adventure with a toothless 2-0 loss away at OFI Crete last month, Hoffenheim are remarkably sat in the Bundesliga drop zone. Heading into the interval with a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Paderborn, Thursday’s hosts have remarkably lost five of their previous six appearances across all competitions and they have continued to show some glaring defensive issues.Hoffenheim Team NewsWhile Brazilian defender Bernardo might be set to serve a domestic suspension after being shown a red card against Hamburger last weekend, the former Salzburg star is free to feature on Thursday night. Missing out on Saturday with a reported muscle issue, Hoffenheim are sweating over the fitness of Kosovo international Albian Hajdari here.Although ex-West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal might have sustained a minor knee issue while away with the Czech Republic during September’s international break, the 34-year-old will start at right-back. Veteran striker Andrej Kramaric could make a maiden start of the season in midweek.BesiktasAs for the visitors, while Hoffenheim might find themselves at the heart of an extended crisis, Besiktas certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting their respective Europa League adventure underway with a stunning 4-1 victory at home against French heavyweights Marseille on September 17th, the Black Eagles are regarded as a genuine European dark horse this year. Marking their return from September’s extended international break with a 2-1 win at home against Kocaelispor last weekend, Vincenzo Italiano’s men are enjoying quite the flurry. Winning five of their previous six appearances across all competitions, Besiktas have also impressed with their clinical performances in the final third. Along with hitting Marseille for four last month, Thursday’s guests have registered 19 goals in their last six straight outings.Besiktas Team NewsLimping off with a muscle injury during the first-half against Kocaelispor over the weekend, Besiktas are sweating over the fitness of Czech Republic international Vaclav Cerny here. Likewise, sustaining a reported thigh issue while away with Kosovo over the past fortnight, one-time Norwich City attacker Milos Rashica will miss out on Thursday night.Enjoying a stellar run since completing a blockbuster summer switch from Juventus and already notching six goals in his opening five Super Lig appearances, Dusan Vlahovic will spearhead Besiktas’ charge. Fellow new recruit and ex-Arsenal star Leandro Trossard will partner the Serbian marksman in the final third.Hoffenheim vs Besiktas Key Factors to ConsiderThursday’s showdown in Germany will be the first competitive battle between Hoffenheim and Besiktas.Along with losing each of their last three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-3, Hoffenheim have also lost five of their previous six outings.Continuing on from last season, Hoffenheim have mustered just a sole clean sheet across all competitions since the middle of February.Including their sensational 4-1 victory against Marseille last month, Besiktas have won five of their previous six matchups across all fronts.However, Besiktas have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their last eight straight matchups.ConclusionLaying down a major Europa League marker last month as they opened proceedings with a stunning 4-1 romp against Marseille, Besiktas will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Thursday night. Really impressing with their free-scoring performances in the final third, we could be set for a real group stage thriller in Germany. Meeting what has become an incredibly leaky Hoffenheim defence in midweek, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast.Verdict: Dusan Vlahovic over 0.5 shots on targetBest Odds: 2/5Bookmaker: BetUSThe post Prediction: Hoffenheim vs Besiktas appeared first on SoccerNews.