CFR Cluj vs Sivasspor prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-09-14 16:45.
Five-time consecutive Romanian champions Cluj remain on an early course to make that a sixth domestic title, thanks to a solid, if not spectacular Liga 1 start (W5, L3). However with all four sides in Cluj’s UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) group locked on one point after round one, the Railwaymen also have an opportunity here to seize the initiative in this group and strengthen their chances of reaching a first European knockout phase since the 2019/20 Europa League.
An improvement in Cluj’s European home form provides cause for cautious optimism as the Romanians have won each of their last three continental home games ‘to nil’, directly following a run of just one win from six games prior (D3, L2). Another clean sheet here against Sivasspor is far from guaranteed though, with Cluj conceding four times in their two prior encounters against Turkish opponents (D1, L1).
Battling back from an early setback against Slavia Prague last time out in the UECL to draw 1-1, Sivasspor find themselves in an identical position to their hosts, seeking to assert themselves in Group G. Sivasspor’s return to Turkish Süper Lig duties followed a similar pattern though, with a 1-1 draw after falling behind ensuring that they remain winless after six league games (D4, L2).
Sluggish starts have been the story of the season for Sivasspor, who have conceded first in all but two of their competitive games this term. Rıza Çalımbay’s men qualified for Europe via winning their first major honour in the form of the Turkish Cup last term, and can ill afford another slow start in their first-ever game against Romanian opponents if they are to strengthen their push to make it beyond a European group stage for the very first time.
Players to watch: Yuri Matias scored the equaliser in Cluj’s group opener, yet the imposing defender is more widely known for getting himself booked, with three yellow cards in his last five games. As for Sivasspor, Max Gradel could be due a goal contribution after registering a goal involvement in every other appearance across his last six (G1, A2), but failed to do so last time out against Istanbulspor.
Hot stat: Just one of Sivasspor’s 11 European away games ended level (W3, L7).