FCSB vs Aberdeen
Back another high-scoring and frantic encounter in Bucharest
Aberdeen will travel to Bucharest to face FCSB on Thursday night with their Europa League hopes hanging in the balance.
Jimmy Thelin's side came flying out of the traps last week and dominated the first leg at Pittodrie. Unfortunately, the Dons weren't particularly clinical, and although they landed seven shots on target, they weren't able to take any sort of advantage into this second leg.
It hasn't been the start to the season that Thelin would have wanted with back-to-back defeats in the Scottish Premiership, albeit against high-quality opponents. They did beat Morton in the cup, and they did manage to get on the scoresheet twice in the first leg.
Unfortunately, defensive lapses have become a common theme so far this season, and they will need to be robust and avoid conceding early in this tie.
With Kusini Yengi struggling with the burden of leading the Dons' attack, they could be relying on attacking midfielder Adil Aouchiche, who has looked lively in the opening few weeks and is happy to create and try his luck from range.
FCSB's league form has been abysmal, yet they appear to be highly motivated to qualify for the league stage of this competition for the second consecutive season. They've conceded 12 goals domestically and were beaten again at the weekend by Arges.
Nevertheless, they pose a threat going forward, and Aberdeen's defence has been far from convincing. Daniel Birligea didn't feature at the weekend, yet he was a pest in the first leg and will be hoping to deliver in front of the home crowd.
Aberdeen cannot sit back. They have to go for this one, and FCSB will hope to pick them off.
Back Over 2.5 Goals to land once again at odds of 1.80 (4/5)
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.