Sheriff with their backs to the wall: Will they make a comeback?
FC Sheriff Tiraspol had to swallow a bitter pill in the first leg of the 2023 CL qualifiers. Although the Moldovan record champions delivered a promising performance, they were defeated by FCV Farul Constanta (0:1). This leaves the “Osy” with their backs to the wall and they must win the second leg to still realise a place in the next qualification round.
The bookmakers see FC Sheriff Tiraspol as favourites in the upcoming match and are currently only offering odds of 1.90 for a win for the Moldovans. Our Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Farul Constanta tip targets that, as this time the yellow-blacks benefit from home advantage.
The importance of home advantage for FC Sheriff can be seen by looking at their record in home matches in past CL qualifiers. Since 2019, the ‘Osy’ have won seven of their last eight CL qualifiers in front of a home crowd. Being favourites in the second leg against FCV Farul Constanta is therefore understandable.
The Moldovan record champions have not lost at the Stadionul Sheriff since March 2023. The yellow-and-blacks have since won seven of their last nine competitive matches at home. It is therefore by no means far-fetched to make a prediction on the hosts in Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Farul Constanta.
Sheriff Tiraspol – Statistics & current form
Last season, FC Sheriff Tiraspol claimed the 21st championship in the club’s history. It was the eighth league title in a row for FC Sheriff, who also won the right to qualify for the Champions League. As in previous years, the adventure of qualifying for the top flight began in the first round.
FC Sheriff Tiraspol did not get an easy draw with FCV Farul Constanta. FC Sheriff already lost the first leg 0:1 and therefore has to win the second leg in front of their home crowd. Nevertheless, the “Osy” has realistic chances to reach the second round of the CL qualification.
Because the away goals rule no longer applies, a narrow victory is enough to force extra time against FCV Farul Constanta. Sheriff Tiraspol have won seven of their last eight home games in Champions League qualifying. The “Osy” are therefore also confident going into the second leg against the Romanian champions.
Will Sheriff crack the Romanian defence this time?
In the first leg, FC Sheriff Tiraspol was already an equal opponent. The only thing that was lacking was the chances, because although the yellow-blacks created more chances than their opponents, FC Sheriff failed to score. For the first time since October 2022, Sheriff Tiraspol failed to score in an away match on the international stage.
If the Moldovan record holders can make amends in front of their home crowd and win the second leg against the defensively strong Romanian champions, odds of 1.90 are paid out on the “Osy” for Sheriff Tiraspol vs Farul Constanta.
Head coach Roberto Bordin has almost all options in the squad at his disposal. Compared to the starting eleven that was used in the first leg, changes on the part of the Moldovan record champions cannot be ruled out. There are enough options for rotation, especially on the offensive side.
Predicted line-up of Sheriff Tiraspol:
Koval – Zohouri, Tovar, Garananga, Bueno, Apostolakis – Talal, Kyabou, Joao Paulo – Luvannor, Ngom Mbekeli
Farul Constanta – Statistics & current form
FCV Farul Constanta came through the first leg of their CL qualifying first round tie unscathed. The Romanian champions celebrated a narrow victory and set the course for the next round. A draw away from home will be enough to reach the second round of the 2023/24 CL qualifiers for the first time ever.
The defensive performance of the “Marinarii” will be decisive. In the first leg, FCV Farul Constanta kept their opponents’ attack in check for the entire match, showing an act of defiance after their defeat in the Romanian Super Cup.
FCV Farul also started the 2023/24 season in the Romanian top flight last weekend with a win that kept their clean slate intact. The White-Blue side picked up a narrow victory (1-0) over FC Sibiu to open the Liga 1 season in Romania, following a 1-0 win over FC Sheriff.
Next clean sheet for Farul?
With the 1-0 win over FC Sibiu, FCV Farul Constanta went without conceding a goal in an away match for the first time season and competition-wide since February 2023. In their six previous competitive matches on foreign soil, the Constanta Whites always conceded at least one goal.
Therefore, the series of zero goals in the last two matches should not be overestimated with regard to the upcoming match in Tiraspol. Especially since FCV Farul Constanta is still an unknown quantity on the international stage.
Compared to the team that played against FC Sheriff at home last week, the “Marinarii” are not expected to make any major changes. The only obvious change is a starting appearance for youngster Constantin Grameni. The 20-year-old scored the goal in the first leg as a wild card in his team’s 1-0 win. It is quite possible that Grameni will start in Gheorghe Hagi’s 4-3-3 this time.
Predicted line-up of Farul Constanta:
Aioani – Borza, Boli, Popescu, Kiki – Baluta, Nedelcu, Grameni – Alibec, Rivaldinho, Mazilu
Sheriff Tiraspol – Farul Constanta Direct comparison / H2H-balance
The two clubs met for the first time ever last week. FCV Farul Constanta won the premiere duel between the two clubs with 1:0
Sheriff Tiraspol – Farul Constanta Tip
Four years ago, FC Sheriff Tiraspol were last eliminated in the first round of CL qualifying. Since then, the “Osy” have always been in the second round of Champions League qualifying. After the bitter defeat against FCV Farul, it remains to be seen whether that streak will continue this year.
In order to reach the second round, FC Sheriff will have to improve significantly in the second leg, especially in the offensive. Last week, the attacking department did not show the best performance and consequently failed to score. If the knot is now broken in the offensive game, the Moldovan record champions can be expected to make a comeback.
We think the hosts from Tiraspol will make it through to the next round and are leaning towards betting on the Moldovan record champions in the second leg between Sheriff Tiraspol and Farul Constanta.
