Preview: Young Boys vs. CFR Cluj - prediction, team news, lineups

Just reward for their attacking endeavour and persistence last week, Young Boys return to Swiss soil level with CFR Cluj, as the pair battle it out for a place in the Champions League playoffs.

The return leg of their third qualifying round tie on Tuesday is perfectly poised after YB's late equaliser in Romania, so the national champions of their respective nations will go all out to progress at the Wankdorf Stadium.

Match preview

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Having salvaged a 1–1 draw in Cluj last week, Young Boys took a major step towards the playoff stage later this month, where they would face either Slavia Prague or Ferencvaros for a place in the Champions League proper.

It was substitute Vincent Sierro who finally responded to the home side's opening goal in the 93rd minute - just shortly after coming on, but nearly an hour-and-a-half after Cristian Manea's fourth-minute strike. Just when the home side looked to be holding on to their narrow advantage, Michel Aebischer intervened, with his free-kick being converted by a gleeful Sierro.

Certainly, the Berne-based outfit have made a habit of doing things the hard way during their qualification campaign, as in the previous round they were made to sweat before overcoming Slovan Bratislava 3-2 on aggregate - having nearly frittered away a three-goal lead at home, they were mightily relieved to progress.

Now looking to reach to the group phase of Europe's elite club competition for just the second time in their history, David Wagner's side will be determined to improve on their early exit last season - when they lost 3-0 to Denmark's Midtjylland - by finishing the job against Cluj.

Wagner, who was appointed head coach in June, is renowned for his commitment to attacking principles and has taken that approach into his latest appointment, at the reigning Swiss Super League champions.

After finishing streets ahead of Basel to win a fourth successive title last term, they have started the new domestic season somewhat erratically; beating Luzern 4-3 in their opening game, before a frustrating goalless draw with Grasshoppers and a 1-0 loss to Sion at the weekend.

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In marked contrast to their Swiss counterparts, in recent weeks, Cluj have won six games from seven - the only outlier being last week's first leg - and started the defence of their domestic title with maximum points from four straight league fixtures.

After breezing past Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League second qualifying round, the Railwaymen also hit the summit of the early Liga 1 standings in pursuit of a fourth successive Romanian title.

However, they have recent history with Young Boys, as the pair previously met in last year's Europa League group phase - with the Transylvanian outfit failing to win either home or away. In fact, the last time they turned out at the Wankdorf Stadium, it proved a particularly controversial encounter, as three men were dismissed in stoppage time following the hosts' dramatic late comeback.

On that night last December, Croatian striker Gabriel Debeljuh saw his 84th-minute opener overturned by two stoppage-time goals for Young Boys, and the 24-year-old has already scored twice in the qualification process so far. However, he found himself dropped for the home leg last Tuesday and was only brought on during the second half.

Nonetheless, in recent months, Marius Sumudica's side have often relied on Debeljuh for his goal threat and physical presence up front, so it could be that he is still set to play a major part in this year's re-match.

Team News

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Though David Wagner's team are perhaps in the driver's seat following the first-leg result, Young Boys remain without star striker Jean-Pierre Nsame this week, due to a muscular injury. Nico Maier, though, is closing in on a return and could even feature in Tuesday's squad.

It is expected that, in Nsame's absence, USA international Jordan Siebatcheu will start up front in a 4-4-2. Either young starlet Felix Mambimbi or DR Congo striker Meschak Elia should join him, though Wilfried Kanga started in the defeat to Sion and could at least feature from the bench.

Following the joy of his late equaliser in Romania, Vincent Sierro missed a penalty and was substituted at the weekend, so could find himself back on the bench, with Christopher Martins Pereira favoured to partner Michel Aebischer in the home side's engine room.

Meanwhile, Cluj have concerns over the fitness of forward Denis Alibec, who was withdrawn in the 27th minute of the first leg due to injury. If he misses out, then Gabriel Debuljuh or Alexandru Paun could come into the XI.

Veteran captain Camora recently returned from injury and is set to take his place on the left of a back four once again - having already registered over 300 appearances for CFR - while last week's goalscorer Cristian Manea starts on the right.

Young Boys possible starting lineup:
Von Ballmoos; Hefti, Camara, Zesiger, Lefort; Ngamaleu, Aebischer, Martins, Fassnacht; Elia, Siebatcheu

CFR Cluj possible starting lineup:
Arlauskis; Manea, Cestor, Bouhenna, Camora; Hoban, Sigurjonsson, Susic; Omrani, Debeljuh, Paun

We say: Young Boys 2-0 CFR Cluj (Young Boys win 3-1 on aggregate)

Last Tuesday's late equaliser could be pivotal for Young Boys, as they are now well-placed to get on the front foot at home - neatly fitting their favoured playing style.

Cluj are certainly in a good run of form, but that can be ended by a side they have failed to overcome across three matches during the past few months, and they are set to slump into the Europa League playoffs.