Strasbourg vs Rijeka: can Strasbourg hold on to their advantage?
As part of the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16, we are set for the return leg between Strasbourg and Rijeka. The match will take place on Thursday, March 19, kicking off at 21:00 CET, and I suggest a betting option for this encounter.
Strasbourg vs Rijeka: match facts and head-to-head
- In the first leg, Strasbourg defeated Rijeka 2–1.
- Strasbourg are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches: three wins and four draws.
- Rijeka have lost their last two matches.
- At home, Strasbourg are unbeaten in five matches.
- Both teams have won 21% of their matches this season to nil.
- Rijeka have lost more matches without scoring: 16% compared to Strasbourg’s 5%.
- In 33% of their matches this season, Strasbourg have scored in both halves.
- This will be only the second meeting between these two sides.
Strasbourg vs Rijeka: match preview
Strasbourg are currently in solid form, going seven matches unbeaten. They managed to beat Rijeka in the first leg of the Round of 16, opening the scoring early in the match and adding a second goal in the 72nd minute. The Croatian side pulled one back but were unable to complete a comeback.
The French side delivered an excellent League Phase campaign, finishing top of the table with five wins from six matches and collecting 16 points. They did not feature in the previous round and already hold an advantage after the first leg against Rijeka. In Ligue 1, Strasbourg sit eighth in the standings. After 26 rounds, they have accumulated 37 points and are six points off sixth place, meaning their push for European competition is still very much alive.
Rijeka have lost their last two matches and are not in the best form at the moment. After 26 rounds, they have 38 points and occupy third place in the table. Their lead over fourth is just one point, so even that position is far from secure. In the Conference League, they finished 16th and went on to defeat Omonia 4–1 on aggregate over two matches. However, they now face a difficult situation against Strasbourg and will need a strong performance to progress.
Probable line-ups
- Strasbourg: Penders; Doukoure, Hogsberg, Chilwell; Omobamidele, V. Barco, El Mourabet, Ouattara; Nanasi, Enciso; Panichelli
- Rijeka: Zlomislic; Orec, Husic, Radeljic, Devetak; Petrovic, A. Barco, Dantas, Gojak; Adu-Adjei, Fruk
Prediction
Strasbourg, in my view, are the favourites for this match. I believe they can win on the night and secure progression. My suggestion is to back Strasbourg over 1.5 team goals.
