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FCSB vs RFSh: Europa League Match Prediction
FCSB, the new name for Steaua Bucharest, is set to face Latvian club RFS in the opening round of the Europa League. In their last two matches in the domestic league, the Romanian giants ended in draws with their opponents. Meanwhile, the Riga side comes into this European clash riding a four-match winning streak. Will there be excitement on September 26, and what bets should you consider? Find the answers in our detailed preview.
Command Analysis
FC FCSB
RomaniaCurrent Form
FCSB tested their skills in the Champions League qualifiers, successfully navigating two rounds but falling short against Czech side Sparta (1:1, 2:3). In the decisive round of Europa League qualification, the Romanian club overcame LASK with a score of (1:1, 1:0). In the domestic league, under the guidance of Elias Charalambous, they played nine matches, earning only 10 points, which places them in an unusual 13th position. It’s clear the team is currently focused on European competitions.
Injuries and Suspensions
The only player currently sidelined is Siyabonga Ngezana.
Interesting Betting Trends
- FCSB has seen no more than two goals scored in their last four home matches.
- In none of FCSB's last four matches has more than one goal been scored in the first half.
Probable Lineup: Târnovanu - Crăciun, M. Popescu, Dava, Radunovic - Shutte, Alhassan - Băluță, Olaru, O. Popescu – Bîrliga.
RFS
LatviaCurrent Form
The Riga Football School began its journey in European competitions from the very first stages. In the second qualifying round of the Champions League, the Latvians fell short against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Moving to the Europa League, RFS managed to defeat Santa Coloma and later triumphed over APOEL in a penalty shootout. This marks the team’s first appearance in the main stage of the Europa League. Notably, leading up to the European match, Riga reached the final of the Latvian Cup, overcoming Riga FC with a score of 2-1.
Injuries and Suspensions
The Riga squad is facing significant losses due to injuries. Defender Petr Maresh, midfielder Alfusainy Jatta, and attacking players Victor Osuagwu, Emerson Deoclesiano, Darko Lemajic, and Ismael Diomande will all be sidelined today.
Interesting Betting Trends
- In seven of the last ten away matches in European competitions, RFS has not secured a victory.
- In four consecutive matches, the Rigas have scored more than one goal.
Projected Lineup: Ondoa - Savvalnieks, Prenga, Lipushchek, Zelenkov - Panich, Marhiev - Odisharia, Ikauniieks, Ndjiki – Kuadio.
Trends
Bet FCSB to score in the first half
In three of the last five matches, FCSB found the net within the first 45 minutes
1.65Bet 1st Half: Total Under 1.5 Goals
This bet has been successful in the last five home games
1.44Bet Correct Score 2:0
FCSB has secured their last two victories with a clean sheet
6.70Tip and bets
The home team isn't having the best domestic season, but in European competitions, FCSB should not be underestimated as they clearly aim for success on the international stage. For RF Shinnik, reaching the main stage of the Europa League is a significant achievement, but it’s unlikely they will be able to surprise their seasoned opponent tonight. Furthermore, the visitors are dealing with numerous injuries, and many key players will miss the match in Bucharest.
Our prediction is a victory for FCSB at odds of 1.60
Total Goals Bet
FCSB secured their last two victories with clean sheets, making it unlikely that the weakened squad will manage to breach the experienced opponent's defense even once.
A second bet is that RFSh will not score, with odds of 2.20.
Corner Kick Bet
On their home turf, FCSB will clearly play aggressively and spend much of the match near the opponent's goal. Notably, in 12 of their last 16 matches, the Romanians have won the corner count, which we expect will hold true today.
Prediction - FCSB to win the corners with an Asian handicap of (-2.5) at odds of 1.47.
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