PFC Ludogorets 1945 Razgrad v Vmfd Zalgiris Betting Tips [18 August 2022]
Football - Europa League
18 August 2022 13:45
The match
Ludogorets Razgrad are attempting to reach the Europa League group stages for the sixth season in a row. They host Zalgiris in the first leg of the play-off round. The Bulgarians only began playing n European competitions ten years ago. They have consistently made it to the group stages, including the Champions League twice. Their best season was 2013/14 when reaching the last 16 of this competition, losing to Valencia after beating PSV and Lazio. This season saw them begin in the Champions League but after beating Shamrock Rovers, they lost to Dinamo Zagreb, being beaten 6-3 on aggregate. That's seen them moved into the Europa League which is a common occurrence. The home loss to Zagreb is the only one they have had in their last four European ties in Bulgaria with just three losses in the last ten.
Zalgiris have a UEFA ranking of 181st, way behind the 55th place tha their opponents have. They have never made the group stages and this seasons performance equals their best of a play-off in 2013/14. They also began the season playing Champions League football. After beating Balikani and Malmo, they lost to Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round, drawing at home but losing the away leg 5-0. Only two of their last 11 away games in European competition has been won failing to score in four of the last six. Back a home win here.
Key Statistics
- Zalgiris have failed to score in four of their last six away European games.
- Ludogorets have made it to the Europa League group stage in each of the last five seasons.
- Ludogorets have only lost three of their last ten home European fixtures.
- Ludogorets are 126 places higher than Zalgiris in the UEFA rankings.
The bet of our experts
Ludogorets are having a typical European season. They qualify for the Champions League, fail to get through the qualifers and then reach the Europa League group stages. They'll hope that again they manage to get through the play-off round and should be able to beat Zalgiris. There's a big gap between them in the UEFA rankings and Zalgiris aren't always at their best on their travels. Go for a home win with a side bet on a win to nil.
