Europe - Europa League
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Ian John | in Europa League Predictions
This Thursday, two of the minnows in the Europa League meet in the opening match of the league phase. Steaua Bucharest of Romania take on Latvia’s Rigas FK. Will our prediction back the one-time Champions League winners, or can the Latvian team spring what would be an upset victory on the road?
The home side Ros-Albastrii have not enjoyed the best start to the season domestically in Romania. They lie a very disappointing 13th after nine games, with just ten points and two wins, although they do have a game in hand on most other teams in the league.
They battled through to the Third round of qualifying in the Champions League, before losing 4-3 on aggregate to Sparta Prague. However, in the Europa League Playoff round, they defeated LASK Linz 2-1 on aggregate to qualify for the league phase of the tournament. They warmed up for this game with a 1-1 draw at home to Petrolul 52 at the weekend.
In contrast, Rigas FS are six points clear at the top of the Virsliga table in Latvia after 29 games. They also have a game in hand on most opponents and have lost just twice domestically all season, scoring 88 goals in just 29 games.
They were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers 7-1 on aggregate by Bodo Glimt, but earned a place in the Europa League league stage with a 9-0 aggregate win over UE Santa Soloma and then a win on penalties after a 3-3 draw with APOEL of Cyprus.
They defeated Liepaja 2-0 at the weekend ahead of this fixture.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
FCSB vs FK RFS Form
FCSB and FK RFS's standings in the Europa League
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11
|
14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
|
32
|
5 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -7 |
FCSB and FK RFS Last Matches
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
21 Sept 2024 - Superliga
15 Sept 2024 - Superliga
1 Sept 2024 - Superliga
29 Aug 2024 - Europa League
25 Aug 2024 - Superliga
22 Aug 2024 - Europa League
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
21 Sept 2024 - Superliga
1 Sept 2024 - Superliga
29 Aug 2024 - Europa League
17 Aug 2024 - Superliga
13 Aug 2024 - Champions League
9 Aug 2024 - Superliga
1/6 (17%)
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
15 Sept 2024 - Superliga
25 Aug 2024 - Superliga
22 Aug 2024 - Europa League
6 Aug 2024 - Champions League
31 Jul 2024 - Champions League
19 Jul 2024 - Superliga
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
23 Sept 2024 - Cup
20 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
17 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
13 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
29 Aug 2024 - Europa League
25 Aug 2024 - Virsliga
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
23 Sept 2024 - Cup
20 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
17 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
22 Aug 2024 - Europa League
14 Aug 2024 - Europa League
11 Aug 2024 - Virsliga
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
13 Sept 2024 - Virsliga
29 Aug 2024 - Europa League
25 Aug 2024 - Virsliga
17 Aug 2024 - Cup
8 Aug 2024 - Europa League
27 Jul 2024 - Virsliga
FCSB against FK RFS Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Most goals and assists
FCSB
FK RFS
D. Birligea
(19 Goals)
A. Markhiyev
(1 Goals)
, 
R. Savalnieks
(1 Goals)
, 
L. Odisharia
(1 Goals)
,
J. Ikaunieks
(1 Goals)
, 
Z. Lipuscek
(1 Goals)
F. Tanase
(3 Assists)
S. Panic
(1 Assists)
,
J. Ikaunieks
(1 Assists)
FCSB - FK RFS Key Points
- Both teams have scored in five of Steaua's eight games in Europe this season.
- Similarly, seven of Rigas FK's nine most recent games have seen both teams score.
- Both teams have scored in Bucharest's last two games and in three of Rigas SK last four.
- Rigas have scored 12 goals in their four Europa League qualifying games this season.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our FCSB vs FK RFS Prediction
Our prediction for Steaua Bucharest vs. Rigas FS on Matchday 1 of the Europa League is: Both Teams to Score - Yes.
All the data in this fixture paints a very positive picture for Rigas FS, but the Latvian side's considerable winning record has been chiefly against poorer-quality sides. When they have stepped up in quality, they have struggled. Steaua's form this season isn't great, but they are playing at a higher level. According to the data, Rigas FS are likely to score, but so should Steaua, and that looks to be the best prediction to make here.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
