MX23RW : Friday, December 11 09:58:21| >> :600:144290:144290:
Dec 10, 2020 at 8pm UK at Ludogorets Arena
LudogoretsLudogorets Razgrad
1-3
LASKLASK Linz
Manu (46')
Cicinho (44')
Santana (61')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Wiesinger (56'), Renner (62' pen.), Emil Madsen (67')
Wiesinger (54'), Balic (63'), Ramsebner (90+1')

Preview: Ludogorets Razgrad vs. LASK Linz - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa League clash between Ludogorets Razgrad and LASK Linz, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ludogorets Razgrad and LASK Linz meet at the Huvepharma Arena on Thursday evening in a Europa League dead rubber.

Neither side are in with a shot of advancing to the last 32, with Tottenham Hotspur and Royal Antwerp left to battle it out for the top two spots in Group J.


Match preview

LASK Linz manager Dominik Thalhammer pictured on November 26, 2020© Reuters

LASK's slim hopes of progressing from the group were ended in last week's thrilling 3-3 draw with Tottenham, which they needed to win.

Johannes Eggestein made it 2-2 in the 84th minute, shortly before Dele Alli put Spurs back in front from the penalty spot.

Incredibly, there was still time for Mamoudou Karamoko to score a leveller, taking the Austrian side to seven points from their five matches.

That is seven points more than opponents Ludogorets have managed, having lost all five matches so far by an aggregate score of 16-6.

They are one of only three pointless sides heading into the final round of fixtures, along with Dundalk and Gent.

The Bulgarian outfit most recently went down 3-1 to Royal Antwerp, while at home they have lost their last four matches in Europe - their worst ever such run.

In fact, Ludogorets could become the first ever Bulgarian team to lose all six Europa League group stage games in a season, following Levski Sofia's run of five in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

It may only be pride on the line for LASK, though a victory for them would make it consecutive away victories in a major UEFA European competition for the first time in their history.

Ludogorets Razgrad Europa League form: LLLLL
Ludogorets Razgrad form (all competitions): LWLWLW

LASK Linz Europa League form: LWWLD
LASK Linz form (all competitions): WDLWDW


Team News

Husein Balic of LASK Linz celebrates scoring against Ludogorets in October 2020© Reuters

It remains to be seen what level of side both managers field given there is no chance of advancing any further.

Romania international Claudiu Keseru is the biggest threat in Ludogorets's side, though he has scored only once in four group matches so far.

Including own goals, LASK's eight goals in this season's Europa League have been scored by seven different players, with only Eggestein (two) scoring more than once.

Lukas Grgic was back involved in the Austrian side's win over Admira and will start this match if deemed ready.

Ludogorets Razgrad possible starting lineup:
Stoyanov; Ikoko, Verdon, Grigore, Nedyalkov; Andrianantenaina, Badji; Despodov, Cauly, Tchibota; Keseru

LASK Linz possible starting lineup:
Schlager; Wiesinger, Trauner, Andrade; Ranftl, Michorl, Holland, Renner; Gruber, Balic, Eggestein


SM words green background

We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-1 LASK Linz

Ludogorets, who beat Slavia Sofia 2-0 in their domestic league at the weekend, have followed up each of their last four victories with a defeat.

Beyond that, the hosts have showed little in this campaign to suggest they can pick up a first point against a LASK side that will no doubt be disappointed to be heading out.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:-


ID:425673:cQx

Who will win Thursday's Europa League clash between Ludogorets and LASK?

Ludogorets Razgrad
37.7%
Draw
18.7%
LASK Linz
43.6%
273
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho pictured on November 8, 2020
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