FCSB will be hoping home advantage can help them book a Champions League play-off slot in what promises to be a tense clash with Sparta Prague in Bucharest.
The Romanian giants are looking to reach the group stage of Europe's elite tournament for the first time in 11 years and have the edge heading into the second leg after a 1-1 draw in Prague.
I thought that clash would be edgy and both my recommended bets landed as Sparta salvaged a stalemate thanks to a late strike from Victor Olatunji.
The Czech side followed that up by beating Bohemians in their domestic league while FCSB also head into the second leg on a high after beating Farul Constanta 3-2.
Only one of them will be celebrating at the end of this game, though, and it promises to be a tense 90 minutes or more in Romania as they put their Champions League hopes on the line.
How the bookies view it: Sparta still in driving seat
Despite that first-leg draw in Prague, Sparta remain favourites to progress to the play-off round at just 8/13 with Befred, although the price increases to 23/20 if you back them to win in 90 minutes.
FCSB could be worth a punt to go through at 6/5 with home advantage and they are 11/5 to get the job done without extra time. The draw at 90 minutes will be popular and that pays 9/4.
Head to head: Romanians have the edge
FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, are now unbeaten in five meetings with Sparta Prague, winning two and drawing three.
Both previous ties came in Europe's premier competition with a 7-2 aggregate win in the 1988 European Cup followed by a 3-1 aggregate triumph in Champions League qualifying eight years ago.
Players to watch: Darius is on song
Darius Olaru heads into this game on a high after netting a double at the weekend. The FCSB star, a Romanian international, is 13/5 for anytime scorer and that looks overpriced.
I flagged up Victor Olatunji as the Sparta star to watch in the first leg and he rescued them with his fourth goal of the season. The forward is 21/10 to strike again in Romania.
Probable teams
Daniel Popa went off at half-time in the first leg and the main who replaced him, William Baeten, then picked up an injury and had to go off himself. Popa was hooked again after 45 minutes this weekend and Olaru should replace him here after netting a double.
Olatujni started on the bench in the first leg but should start here for Sparta Prague after his strike got them back in the tie.
Sparta Prague: Vindahl, Ross, Zeleny, Vitik, Garcia de Albeniz, Solbakken, Laci, Wiesner, Kuchta, Haraslin, Olatunji.
FCSB: Tarnovanu, Cretu, Dawa, Ngezana, Radunovic, Sut, Stefanescu, Lixandru, Baluta, Olaru, Miculescu.
Anything else catch the eye?
There doesn't seem to be much between these sides and I'm expecting another tight match with the tie delicately poised. The half-time draw looks worth a punt at 23/20 with Betfred while backing most goals to come after the break appeals once more at 11/10.
The ref was busy in the first leg as he flashed nine yellow cards – with seven of them going to Steaua Bucharest. I can't see any markets for cards yet but it could pay to back a few for FCSB if it is priced up.
This UEFA Champions League match between FCSB and Sparta Prague will be played on Aug 13, 2024 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best FCSB vs Sparta Prague prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
