Ferencvaros – Crvena zvezda : Preview & Prediction
UEFA Europa League (EUL) Group H is getting exciting as table-toppers Ferencvaros (33-time Hungarian champions) host bottom-placed Red Star (33-time Serbian champions), with only three points separating them. Ferencvaros will be looking to consolidate their position in an act of revenge after being thrashed 4-1 by the visitors on matchday three, in what was the first meeting between these teams this century.
The “Green Eagles” are the last remaining Hungarian participant in Europe this season, and they proved it by breaking a run of two consecutive defeats with a 2-0 home win over Debrecen in their previous outing. Ferencvaros fans have grown accustomed to seeing a winner when their team plays at Groupama Arena, as not only have they not drawn in any of their last 14 official games here (G10, E4), they have also failed to do so in their last 14 continental home matches (G7, P7).
Ferencvaros will be looking to turn the tide from last season, where they finished last in their UEL group, while Red Star will be looking to emulate the efforts that saw them win Group F. Playing as they did in the past week would certainly bring Red Star closer to their goal, with that result being part of their current run of five wins in a row, where they have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 14-1.
However, playing away from home in the UEL could be their kryptonite, as the Serbian side have performed much more poorly in their recent UEL matches. They have won just three of their 13 away games in group stage or knockout matches in the UEL (E6, P4), something coach Miloš Milojević needs to address if they are to get another good result here.
Players to watch: Ferencvaros’ Tokmac Chol Nguen tends to enjoy the comforts of home, having scored nine of their last 12 goals at European level on home soil. On the other hand, Red Star will be hoping Guélor Kanga can replicate his fine performance of last week when he scored a brace – eight of his last 12 contributions on goal came after the break.
Key stat: The same first-half scoreline has been reflected at the final whistle in 13 of Ferencvaros’ last 15 official matches.
Ferencvaros – Crvena zvezda : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
