LASK Linz vs FCSB Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 20/08/2024, 13:00  by Nella Wagah in Europa League Predictions

Two sides eyeing returns to winning ways, LASK and Steaua Bucarest will clash this Thursday in the Europa League Play-off round. LASK will host the first leg in Linz. In case you are looking to bet on this match, read on for our prediction.

The hosts are reeling from a poor start to their domestic league. They come here off the back of two straight losses, the most recent a 1-0 home defeat to Salzburg.

It has been tougher for them at home, and heading into their third straight home match, LASK will hope to improve on their back-to-back defeats. This run should send jitters down the fanbase, as LASK aren’t coming here on a very good run in the Europa League.

Last season they reached the Europa League group stages but had a shambolic campaign. They lost five of the six group games before crashing out.

Steaua Bucarest return to the Europa League for the first time since 2020. The visitors are here courtesy of their elimination from the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League.

They suffered a 3-2 loss to Sparta Prague on aggregate, sending them to this stage of the Europa League. In the three qualification rounds in the Champions League, they didn’t lose in the away leg. Steaua will be looking to carry that run here.

Generally, their away run this season hasn’t been bad, as they are unbeaten in four matches. The same can be said of their away form in Europa League on their return after four years’ absence. The Romanians have only one loss in five away matches in the competition.