Lazio vs FC CFR 1907 Cluj Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 14/02/2023, 15:01  by Sridhar | Modified on 14/02/2023 at 15:04 in Conference League Prediction

Italian club Lazio will hope to emulate bitter rivals AS Roma in winning the UEFA Conference League when they make their debut with a match against Romanian continental regulars CFR Cluj. This knockout round play-offs would be played over two legs with the first leg at Stadio Olimpico on this Thursday. Lazio dropped down to this competition from the Europa League after finishing third in a group that saw all four teams finish on eight points. Their form coming into this match isn’t satisfactory, failing to win any of their last four matches in all competitions, drawing and losing two each. That has seen Lazio lose a bit of steam in Serie A although at sixth, they still have their fortunes in their own hands to finish in European qualification spots for next season. Yet, winning this title could be seen prestigious after Roma did it in the inaugural year last season. Starting this tie at home could be a blessing in disguise as Lazio are unbeaten in seven matches in Europe when playing at home, winning three and drawing four.

Cluj advanced to the knockout play-offs after finishing second in the group stages, behind Sivasspor and ahead of Slavia Prague. They are the only Romanian side still left in any of the three European competitions which is a matter of pride, but need to be backed up on the field. Cluj have lost two matches in a row coming into this match and have dropped to second in Romania Liga I. They have also traditionally struggled against Italian clubs, winning just two of their last ten such matches in Europe – drawing one and losing seven. Any hopes of upsetting the odds will have to see Cluj keep their defences tight as they have avoided defeat in five of their last six Conference League away matches, by keeping three clean sheets.