In this Europa League double matchup, we will take a look at the two matches in an intriguing group G, in which Steaua Bucharest have asserted their dominance in pole position. Permitting an unlikely demise by the group leaders, the interest of this group comes from its three other teams, who are all still in with a great chance. The first match will see FCSB travel to Plzen, where they will hope to confirm their first-place finish. The other Europa League match will see third play fourth in a tie where a loss for either side could doom them to elimination.
Plzen (Cze) vs. FCSB (Rom)
Three-Way: 1: Plzen -109; X: +301 Draw; FCSB +355 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Plzen -118; FCSB +112
Total +2.5: Over -125; Under +125
Plzen
Despite a disappointing recent domestic cup loss at home to Slovacko, Viktoria Plzen will be ecstatic with their emphatic home form, having won all fourteen of their fourteen league matches, leaving daylight between themselves and second-placed Sigma Olomouc in the Czech league.
Although Plzen has had a faultless start to their league campaign, their results in Europe have been more of a mixed bag, winning twice and losing twice in four matches. Their last fixture was a very positive result over Lugano, with a convincing 4:1 score-line in their home stadium. Two early goals for Plzen from Michal Krmencik all but sealed the won, and the Czech Republic international forward will be the player to watch having scored nine times from thirteen this season, as well as scoring six from his first ten appearances for his country.
Viktoria Plzen will be aware that one win will almost ensure progression for the Czech side, which would be a good achievement having not qualified past the group stage since the 2013-14 season. Plzen will still have to go further to exceed their best finish, but they have never made it past the last sixteen.
Manager Pavel Vrba will be without centre-backs Marian Cisovsky (virus) and Jan Baranek (knee-op) through injury, but will otherwise have a full squad.
FCSB
Having been unbeaten in thirteen in all competitions, a recent 1:0 away loss to mid-table Iasi will have been a blow, but Steaua Bucharest is still top of the league by a single point. Maintaining the first position will be the 26-time Romanian champions target this season to retain the trophy that they have not won since the 2014-15 season, having finished as runners-up in the last two seasons.
In the Europa League, FCSB will be satisfied with their performance so far, obtaining ten points in their four matches in Group G. Their last Europa League fixture, however, will have been a slight disappointment as they lost their 100% record in 1:1 home draw with Hapoel Beer Sheva. Despite starting the match as favorites, Bucharest was unable to stamp their authority on the game as the result was probably a fair one.
With qualification seeming all but certain, FCSB will be glad to be back in the knockout mix for the first time since the 2012-13 season, where they were knocked out in the last sixteen when giving Chelsea a scare or two but ultimately fell short.
Manager Nicolae Dica will have a full squad for Thursday’s crunch match.
Plzen (Cze) vs. FCSB (Rom) – Match Prediction:
The last result between these two sides saw a 3:0 victory for FCSB, but this fixture will be different. With Plzen needing the three points more than their opponents, they will come out of the tunnel raring to go and ready for the fight. Add to that that Plzen has the home advantage and some excellent form coming into this match, while FCSB is just coming off the back of a loss.
Overall, I would take a punt and Plzen grabbing all three points.
MY PICK: Plzen to WIN (-109)
Lugano (Swi) vs. Hapoel Beer Sheva (Isr)
Three-Way: 1: Lugano +202; X: +260 Draw; 2: Hapoel Beer Sheva +167 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Lugano +114; Hapoel Beer Sheva -116
Total +2.5: Over -116; Under +114
Lugano
After an impressive third-place finish last season, recent form in all competitions for Swiss side Lugano will have concerned fans, players and manager-alike, particularly their start to the season. A poor first twelve league matches have seen Lugano slip down the table, but a recent league form of two wins and three games has seen them move back up to the seventh position, which is still way below expectations.
Lugano’s domestic form has somewhat translated to their European form, as they find themselves bottom of the pile in Group G with just three points to their name. Their last Europa League fixture was a 4:1 away loss to Viktoria Plzen, a score-line that forgot the ten shots on target that Lugano had, but highlighted their lack of a clinical edge. Despite some underwhelming results in Europe, Lugano will still have been satisfied with their performance so far, considering that this is their first time in a European competition proper.
Manager Pierluigi Tami will be without left-back Goran Jozinovic, right-back Marco Padalino, defensive-midfielder Stefano Guidotti, left-midfielder Mattia Bottani and central-midfielder Domen Crnigoj, all through injury. Furthermore, left-back Fabio Daprela will be out due to a yellow card suspension.
Hapoel Beer Sheva
After a harrowing 3:1 defeat away at Maccabi Haifa back in August, Hapoel Beer Sheva have dramatically improved their form, going unbeaten in eight games and unbeaten in Israel’s top flight. Their points accumulation has taken them to the second position, only behind league leaders Hapoel Haifa on goal difference.
The Israeli side’s last Europa League fixture was met with more success with a 1:1 draw away at group leaders Steaua Bucharest, giving them a fighting chance of reaching the next round. Hapoel Beer Sheva will have to take that fighting chance and progress if they are to meet their fans’ aspirations, having qualified for the round of 32 last season through a tricky group that included Inter Milan and Southampton. Anything less will not be seen as a total failure but will be viewed as a lack of progression.
Manager Barak Bakhar will be with a full squad for Thursday’s game, other than centre-back Loai Taha due to a yellow card suspension.
Lugano (Swi) vs. Hapoel Beer Sheva (Isr) – Match Prediction:
In the most recent fixture between these two sides just weeks ago, the Israeli side came on top in a closely-fought 2:1 victory. With Lugano at home, you would expect them to better their previous result, but they will be low on confidence and their opponents will fancy their chances. I would go for another close match, but the Israeli side bettering their foes once again.
MY PICK: Hapoel Beer Sheva to WIN (+167)
