Sivasspor vs CFR Cluj Prediction & Tips
Sivasspor gained revenge after losing at home to Ballkani on Matchday 3, winning 2-1 in Kosovo to top UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group G by virtue of the record between the two sides. Another win would ensure the Turkish side qualify, and would also secure top spot should Slavia Prague and Ballkani draw in the other matchday five clash.
Although the first meeting with Ballkani produced a surprise result, home advantage will still be crucial here at the 27,532-capacity Sivas Stadium. One thing that could work in Sivasspor’s favor is the fact that they have always scored when playing at home in the UECL (G1, E1, P3 – 90 minutes only), but it should also be noted that they have conceded goals after the 60th min in each of those defeats, so nerves may grow as time goes on.
That will certainly be the case if Sivasspor find themselves trailing as the match progresses, as Cluj only need to win by a two-goal margin to seal qualification instead of the home side – and beating Universitatea Cluj in last weekend’s derby already has the team in high spirits. Back-to-back wins over Slavia, each after a 1-0 half-time lead, have turned their fortunes around as the Romanian side look to reach a knockout stage of European competition for the first time in three years.
Perhaps surprisingly, Cluj are still unbeaten in away matches in the UECL this year (G1, E4) despite never scoring more than once, proving that they manage to defend themselves. Part of that streak also helps form an even better trend, where Cluj have conceded the first goal in only one of their nine official away games played since the beginning of August, further illustrating their defensive resilience.
Players to watch: Sivasspor striker Karol Angielski’s late goal secured the win against Ballkani on matchday four, while Rangelo Janga scored the winner in Cluj’s last European away game a week earlier – two of his last three away goals have been the first goal of the engagement.
Noteworthy fact: None of Cluj’s previous 11 UECL matches have ended with both sides scoring more than 2.5 goals in total.
Sivasspor – CFR Cluj FREE TIPS
Sivasspor – Win @ 2.25
