CFR Cluj host Braga in the third round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, with both teams keen on securing a first-leg advantage. The Romanians have found things difficult lately and could be in for a tough time against the visitors, who are showing some good form at the moment.
Cluj claimed a 1-0 aggregate victory over Lugano in the previous qualifying round, with Sheriff Sinyan’s extra-time effort in the second leg sealing the win. The manner of the result highlights their recent form, with Dan Petrescu's men failing to secure a regulation-time win in their last five matches in all competitions.
There has also been little home comfort for CFR Cluj, who have lost two of their last three matches in front of their fans. They head into Thursday's clash off the back of a 3-2 home defeat to Universitatea Craiova in a Romanian Superliga fixture last Sunday.
Braga also needed extra-time in the previous round as Fran Navarro’s effort in the second leg earned them a 1-0 aggregate victory over Levski Sofia. They are now unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions and will head to Romania feeling confident.
The Portuguese side have also done some good work on their recent travels and are unbeaten in seven of their last eight away matches. Carlos Vincens' men have won two of their last three fixtures on the road.
How the bookies view it: Braga on top
The Bookies have installed Braga as overwhelming favourites, with a win priced at 4/5 with BoyleSports. CFR Cluj are considered outsiders at 3/1 while a draw is set at odds of 12/5.
Head to head: History on Cluj's side
CFR Cluj have won the only two previous matches against Braga, with both fixtures coming during the group stage of the Champions League in 2012. The Romanians earned a 2-0 away victory before winning 3-1 at home in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Horta remains vital
Ricardo Horta is often involved in most of Braga's attacking plays and has scored in three of the last six matches. Navarro was also on target in the previous round, and both men can combine to produce over 0.5 goals – offered at 2/11 by BoyleSports.
For Cluj, Louis Munteanu scored the winner in the previous round and could be worth keeping an eye on. Having scored two goals in the Superliga, Virgiliu Postolachi will be keen to carry that form into Europe, and both men can combine for over 0.5 goals – available at 1/2.
Probable line-ups:
Cluj are likely to stick with Otto Hindrich in goal, with Sinyan and Antonio Bosec set to marshal the defence. Meriton Korenica and Damjan Djokovic should anchor the midfield, while Munteanu and Postolachi are expected to lead the line.
For Braga, Navarro could be handed a start in attack after scoring off the bench in the previous round. The experienced Joao Moutinho should feature in midfield, while Rodrigo Salazar and Horta are all expected to be involved from the start.
CFR Cluj: Hindrich, Bosec, Sinyan, Ilie, Camora, Fica, Djokovic, Korenica, Munteanu, Postolachi, Gjorgjievski
Braga: Hornicek, Carvalho, Oliveira, Niakate, Lagerbielke, Gorby, Moutinho, Dorgeles, Salazar, Horta, Navarro
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of Braga's last seven matches (BTTS YES – priced at 4/5 with BoyleSports). Three of CFR Cluj's last five home fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals – valued at 20/21.
Braga have scored over 1.5 goals in four of their last six matches in all competitions (Braga over 1.5 goals – set at odds of 10/11).
GambleAware