CFR Cluj vs Slavia Prague prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-12 16:45.
Group G of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) could barely be closer if it tried, with all four sides locked on four points, and incredibly, also tied on the same goal difference! Cluj are bringing up the rear of the group on goals scored despite their shock 1-0 victory over Slavia Prague last week, but they do know completing an unlikely H2H double could see them end the night in top spot as they seek just a second top-two group stage finish in UEFA competition.
Prior to a 1-0 defeat in their UECL home group opener against Sivasspor, Cluj had won four straight games at home in UEFA’s third tier competition, each with an accompanying clean sheet. You would certainly think one of these sides will keep a clean sheet here despite Cluj’s 1-1 domestic draw against UTA Arad on Monday, as only one of Cluj’s last eight home games witnessed both teams get on the scoresheet (W5, L3).
A 2-0 defeat to Sigma in the Czech First League at the weekend was far from ideal preparation for Slavia Prague who have now lost three of their last four competitive outings (W1). Slavia boss Jindřich Trpišovský insisted the duo of goals conceded in that defeat to Sigma were “stupid, simple goals”, and he will perhaps hope his side can replicate their second half defensive showings in their UECL group games this term given they havent conceded yet after the break.
Conceding more “stupid” goals certainly won’t help Slavia’s away day woes, with just two victories collected in their last 13 European fixtures on the road (D5, L6). Yet again though, the blame lies with a leaking backline as Slavia have actually scored in nine of their ten UECL away games (W2, D4, L4), but alarmingly have also conceded in the same number of those matches!
Players to watch: Both of Rangelo Janga’s goals for Cluj this term have come in European competition as game openers, including the winner in the reverse H2H. Peter Olayinka is Slavia Prague’s all-time leading European goalscorer with 13 goals, and is the scorer of Slavia’s only away goal in the UECL proper this term.
Hot stat: Slavia have taken more corners in the UECL proper so far this season than any other side (33).