Ludogorets vs Slavia Prague prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-09-24 19:00.
[p]Matchday one of the inaugural UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase has arrived and it’s a stage Ludogorets are familiar with, having appeared in six of the last seven UEL competitions at this equivalent stage. None of their last three appearances in this competition saw them advance into the UEL knockouts, but amidst a fine start to their Bulgarian First League campaign (W7, D1), they should be full of confidence. [/p]
[p]The Bulgarian champions will probably feel a little hard done by to be competing in UEFA’s second-tier club competition having been knocked out of the Champions League in the third qualifying round. But they have a decent pedigree in this competition, particularly at home, where they’ve won five of their last seven UEL outings (L2).[/p]
[p]That record is unlikely to faze Slavia Prague, who face Bulgarian opposition for the first time since November 2005 when they beat CSKA Sofia 2-1 in the UEFA Cup. The Czech side were knocked out at the final hurdle in UCL qualifying but boast some pedigree of their own at this stage of the UEL, where they’ve won nine of their last 11 matches, including five of their six last season when they eventually fell at the last 16 stage. [/p]
[p]They’ll be hoping to better that run this term, and if they can transfer their league form into this competition (W7, D1), then they could certainly be a force to be reckoned with. Their last three league victories have been accompanied by a clean sheet, but they’ve struggled defensively in this competition of late, conceding 2+ goals in their last three UEL away outings (W1, L2). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: If Rwan Cruz scores, Ludogorets could be looking at a handsome win given his last five scoring appearances for the club saw them win by multi-goal margins. Slavia’s MojmĂr Chytil should grow in confidence as the game goes on given nine of his last ten club goals arrived after half-time.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ludogorets have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]