Betdistrict.com
Stromsgodset visits Steaua Bucharest hoping to overturn a 0-1 deficit from the first leg. The Romanians meanwhile will be confident they will advance to the next qualifying round of the Champions League.
Steaua started the first leg very poor and should have been down at least 0-1 after the first 35 minutes, but held on. In the second half Steaua stepped it up a notch, used their experience and class and won the game 1-0, maybe they were even the better side overall by a small margin. Steaua saw many changes this summer with a new manager and some important players leaving and they are weaker than last season, but still a decent side. They played Ok in the first 3 matches of the season, but still did not lose (2 wins, 1 draw). Not great performances for Steaua, but enough to control opposition of the caliber of Stromsgodset. Steaua will miss again the best center back Gardos.
Stromsgodset is in the middle of the league at the moment but that did not help them last week. After the loss against Steaua they also lost in the weekend 0-2 at home with Valerenga, their first home defeat in the league in ages. Stromsgodset is in poor form right now and they should change something if they are to have any chance of qualifying today. Maybe we will see a more risky approach by the visitors because in the last matches they played a little defensive – while the style that brought them success is a more offensive one.
Stromsgodset had everything going for them at home: their fantastic home record, the artificial pitch, the fact that they were playing official matches, Steaua’s problems. If the Norwegians did not get a result in those conditions, I doubt they have any chance to qualify. But they have nothing to lose and they will play more freely … which should result in a more open match. For sure Steaua at home can score at least 2 goals, but Stromsgodset can score too if they take some risks, they should have scored in the first leg also, but missed their chances. I see the visitors reverting to their offensive style of play and try to get 1 or 2 goals to qualify today, while Steaua’s quality should bring the hosts a narrow win. Over 2,5 goals is the best value for the odds on this match so that will be my tip. Steaua to win at 1.50 is a decent bet but the odds are too low for my taste. Correct score prediction: Steaua Bucharest – Stromsgodset 2-1.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.00 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8
Event date: 23 July
