Riga FC – CSKA Sofia Prediction & Picks (19.07.2018)

Riga and CSKA Sofia meet at Stadions Skonto, in a second leg of this stage of the UEFA Europa League (1st Qualifying Round), after in the first leg CSKA Sofia won at home (1-0). In this game the home factor may be decisive, since the Riga presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor.

Riga:

After the defeat in the first leg, the home team arrives at this disadvantaged match at a disadvantage, since they need to recover 1 goal from a disadvantage and have not scored any goals in the previous match. This is a team that, oddly enough, has had better results in away matches than at home, since in the last 30 matches they register 9 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses in away matches; against 7 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats in his stadium. In the last 10 home matches Riga has won 5, tied 2 and lost 3. Their defense has been very strong, having only scored goals in 3 of the last 10 matches, and their offense has scored consistently, as they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches. The team usually has no problem opening the scoring: it scored the first goal in 13 of the last 15 games, of these 13 came to the break in advantage in 9 and managed to maintain the advantage until the end of the 90 ‘in 10. In the last 15 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period in highlight: he scored 9 of his 24 goals between the minutes (31’-45 ‘).

The Riga party for this game with a slight in the first leg of this tie of the Europa League, 1-0, placing a final point to the six successive wins in several competitions. We remember that the locals got access to this competition due to the third position in the Latvian Championship. In this game at home, coach Viktor Skripnik should not make major changes compared to the previous starting lineup, with Tomislav Saric being the one most responsible for organizing the offensive process. Of note that the locals have several weaknesses in the maintenance of possession and completion of the ball. Without great absences, the local coach should act in maximum strength.

CSKA Sofia:

The away team comes to this second leg with an advantage of 1 goal, but suffered 0 goals at home in the first leg. This is a team that usually maintains its competitive level in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 9 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 9 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss at their stadium. In the last 10 away matches CSKA Sofia has won 6, tied 2 and lost 2. Their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches.

CSKA Sofia reach the second leg of this tie in advantage, as they triumphed over Riga 1-0: the only goal of the team was scored by Tiago Rodrigues. Coach Stephen Nestor The Maestro will play in 4-2-3-1, privileging a soccer ball possession and organized attacks: Tiago Rodrigues is responsible for creating and organizing the team’s offensive process. On the other hand, Jorginho is the most dangerous player of this CSKA Sofia, being very fast and very strong in the counterattack. Manolev continues from outside due to injury.