Ludogorets vs FC Zurich Predictions

Ludogorets can’t qualify from Group A with one game left to play, but can have a say in who claims top spot as they hosts already qualified FC Zurich on Thursday. Zurich sit one points behind Leverkusen heading into the final round of fixtures in the Europa League group stage, so really need to win against Ludogorets and hope the Germans drop points in Cyprus in order to finish top.

Ludogorets claimed a 2-0 win over Slavia Sofia on Sunday and remain top of the First League table. The hosts took the lead through Romanian defender Moți in the thirty-seventh minute, and a penalty from fellow countryman Keșerü ten minutes into the second half wrapped up the three points. Ludogorets are now unbeaten in their last five matches, and while they can’t qualify from Group A they will be desperate to claim their first win in the Europa League this season having picked up three draws and two defeats so far.

Fourth played host to third in the Swiss Super League on Sunday, as Basel defeated Zurich 2-0 to move back into second place in the table ahead of Thun. A nineteenth minute strike from top scorer Ajeti put Basel in front and early in the second half Petretta ended any hopes of a comeback for Zurich with the home sides second goal. The visitors were outplayed by their hosts and will have to perform better on Thursday if they do harbour any ambitions of claiming top spot in Group A.

The reverse fixture between Zurich and Ludogorets back in October was a very close game with very few clear cut opportunities in front of goal and the match was settled by a single strike late on. The pair went in level at the break goalless, where despite seeing less of the ball it was the visitors Ludogorets that had the best chances. Zurich struggled to break down their guests and the frustration saw them resort to pot shots from range, but in the eighty-fourth minute Iceland’s Pálsson won the game for Zurich and you could feel the relief around the stadium.

Zurich aren’t in the best of form heading into their final Europa League group game, while Ludogorets have picked up three wins and two draw from their last five matches in all competitions. Neither side have an out and out goalscorer leading the way in their European matches this season, with Campanharo, Wanderson, Keșerü, and Marcelinho all on two goals each for Ludogorets, while Zurich don;t have a single player with more than one goal to their name so far.

We’re confident that Zurich will take some thing from this match and have backed the visitors with a double chance bet, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. Zurich have outperformed a disappointing Ludogorets in the Europa League this season with the hosts still searching for their first group win and already knocked out of the competition, but Ludogorets do have three draws to their name. A point could prove enough for Zurich to top the group, but on if Leverkusen lose by three or more goals.