Europa League
2026-09-17 - OFI Crete vs TSG Hoffenheim
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; UEFA Europa League: 1st Round
Pankritio Stadium, Heraklion – Crete, Greece
Thursday, 17th September 2026 - kickoff 18:45 CET
OFI Crete
OFI have had a fantastic build-up to their long-awaited return to European football. They have won their first three matches in the Greece Super League, including an impressive 1-0 away victory at Olympiacos last weekend.
Even more incredible, they have not conceded a single goal in their five competitive games this season – 3 domestic wins, 0 goals conceded. In the Europa League playoffs, they beat CSKA Sofia twice without conceding, 5-0 on aggregate.
The Greek side have been particularly strong at home, winning both of their league matches by scoring twice in each. This is also their first appearance in the main stage of a UEFA competition in 25 years, so there is no shortage of motivation for a packed Pankritio Stadium.
TSG Hoffenheim
TSG Hoffenheim arrive with a mixed Bundesliga record, losing 3-2 to both Köln and Borussia Dortmund before finally beating VfB Stuttgart 2-1 last weekend. Adam Hlo˛ek scored both goals in that victory, giving Christian Ilzer's side some momentum before their return to European football.
The defensive side is less convincing. TSG Hoffenheim have conceded seven goals in three Bundesliga matches, although they have scored six themselves, and all three league games have produced at least three goals.
Alexander Prass is the only confirmed absentee, while coach Ilzer is expected to rotate his team, with experienced players such as Andrej Kramarić among those who could come into the starting line-up.
The Betting Verdict
TSG Hoffenheim are clear favorites at around 1.40, but I don't see enough value in taking them at that price.
OFI have won their last three and are unbeaten in their last five. They also beat Olympiacos away last weekend, which is a big confidence booster, and I expect them to make this a very competitive game.
The goals market looks more interesting to me. TSG Hoffenheim have conceded in all three Bundesliga games and scored in all three, while OFI have scored in each of their last five matches.
Both teams to score is currently around 1.80–1.82, which gives us a much better price than the weak TSG Hoffenheim win.
My top betting recommendation is Both Teams to Score at around 1.80. An alternative is Over 2.5 Goals at around 1.60, although I prefer BTTS given OFI's recent defensive improvement.
As for the result, I can see this finishing 1-1.
The Pick :
OFI Crete 1-1 TSG Hoffenheim
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take both teams to score: YES at odds of 1.80 with Bet365
