Ludogorets vs Rijeka Prediction: Eagles to soar on home soil

There's everything to play for at the Huvepharma Arena on Wednesday (18:30 BST) as Ludogorets host Rijeka in a Champions League second-round qualifier. The two teams played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Croatia, but Rijeka face an uphill battle when they head to Bulgaria this week.

Rui Mota's Ludogorets reached the Europa League's league phase last season and they have been a tough nut to crack in their opening few games of the new campaign. Rijeka last made the league phase or group stage of any Uefa competition during the 2020/21 campaign and they are the underdogs ahead of kick-off.

Team News

Ludogorets continue to wait for centre-back Georgi Terziev to be available, with the 33-year-old expected to return from a knee injury in December.

The game is likely to come too soon for fellow defender Dinis Almeida, while Kwadwo Duah and Aguibou Camara are also on the sidelines.

Rijeka coach Radomir Dalovic has no new injury concerns ahead of the trip, and the pressure will be on a front three of Toni Fruk, Merveil Ndockyt and Luka Menalo.

Ludogorets vs Rijeka Odds

Ludogorets are available at 9/10 to win this contest, while the draw is 11/5 and Rijeka are considered 11/4 outsiders.

The hosts are as short as 4/9 to win the tie, while Rijeka are 13/8.

Over 2.5 goals is priced at 11/10, while odds of 10/11 are available for both teams to find the back of the net.

Ludogorets to win @ 9/10

Despite some disappointing pre-season results, Ludogorets deserve to be favourites for Wednesday's tie.

Mota's team beat Dinamo Minsk 1-0 in their opening Champions League tie and then managed to secure a 2-2 draw away from home to win 3-2 on aggregate.

Since then, they have gone back to their resolute selves and recorded a three-match unbeaten run and, more importantly, three clean sheets.

That does not bode well for a Rijeka team who are yet to start their domestic season and have struggled away from home.

Dalovic's team won only seven of their 18 away games in the Croatian Football League last season and it suggests they should struggle on the road once again this week.

Today's Football Fixtures

Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6

The first tie between the two sides last week finished 0-0 and there is little to suggest we will suddenly see a surge in goalmouth action.

Ludogorets have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches and they will not want to take any risks if they take the lead.

The hosts have scored more than two goals in only one of their last 20 games, including friendlies, so a 1-0 or 2-0 win looks the most likely outcome.

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