Does Sheriff go ahead in the first leg?
Five years ago, the “Marinarii” – then still as Viitorul before the merger – were last represented in the top flight. This week, the long-awaited comeback is now on the cards. The reigning Romanian champions start this year’s Champions League qualifiers with a home match against FC Sheriff Tiraspol. In Wednesday’s match, however, the best bookmakers see the White-Blue as only minimal favourites.
For a Farul Constanta vs. Sheriff Tiraspol bet on the hosts from Romania, odds of 2.45 are currently offered. If the visitors are successful, on the other hand, the bet can be more than tripled.
If the recent form of the Romanian representatives is anything to go by, it is risky to predict a home win for Farul Constanta vs. After a weak preparation, the “Marinarii” also suffered a bitter defeat in the Romanian Super Cup last time out.
In addition, FC Sheriff have gained far more experience on the international stage in recent years than FCV Farul Constanta. We therefore do not think it is far-fetched to place an underdog bet on the guests from Tiraspol.
Farul Constanta – Statistics & current form
Internationally, FCV Farul Constanta – then known as Viitorul before the club merger – last featured in 2017/18 as part of the Champions League qualifiers. Since then, the “Marinarii” flew largely under the radar and had no notable successes. The championship last season was therefore all the more surprising.
In the championship group of the Romanian League 1, Farul Constanta at least held its own against FCSB, CFR Cluj and Univ. Craiova. The “Marinarii” picked up six wins, three draws and only one defeat in the ten group matches of the championship round.
Although the existing squad has already been properly strengthened with ten new arrivals, FCV Farul Constanta disappointed in recent weeks and lagged behind expectations in the summer preparation. The 2023/24 season even started with a defeat in the Super Cup against Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe.
Farul Constanta fold against Sheriff?
In the current condition, it will be difficult for FCV Farul Constanta to achieve a victory against FC Sheriff Tiraspol. Recently, they lacked the necessary offensive power to win a match. In the last three matches – including two test matches – the “Marinarii” failed to score.
Therefore, it would not be surprising if the Romanian champions’ offensive would also struggle against the Moldovans. Especially as the upcoming opponents have a strong defensive bulwark anyway. If the “Marinarii” defy the bookmakers and win the first leg, Farul Constanta vs. Sheriff Tiraspol offers betting odds of 2.45 on the Romanians.
Predicted line-up of Farul Constanta:
No information available.
Sheriff Tiraspol – Statistics & current form
The Sheriff reports back. With the match against FCV Farul Constanta, FC Sheriff Tiraspol starts this year’s qualification for the top division. In 2021/22, the Moldovan record champions made a big splash in the Champions League and reached the group stage for the first time ever.
Last year, the euphoria was therefore great to make it to the group stage again. In the qualifiers, however, Sheriff Tiraspol failed to reach Viktoria Pilsen in the third round and therefore had to continue their international adventure in the Europa League.
In the first round of the 2023/24 CL qualifiers, Sheriff already had a difficult draw with Farul Constanta. Nevertheless, the record in the first rounds of Champions League qualification speaks in favour of the Moldovans. Since 2019/20, Sheriff have not been eliminated in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.
Is Sheriff setting the stage for the second round?
FC Sheriff are not under any pressure to win away from home. However, it is by no means out of the question that head coach Roberto Bordin’s team will also win the first leg against Farul Constanta. In the CL qualifiers, Sheriff have lost only one of their last six matches on foreign soil.
If they can improve on that record with a win in Romania, a Farul Constanta vs. Sheriff Tiraspol prediction on the visitors offers betting odds of up to 3.20. So far, Sheriff have never lost to a team from Romania. In two matches – both against Steaua Bucharest, mind you – Sheriff Tiraspol have a record of 0-2-0.
Head coach Bordin has almost all options in the squad for the match against Farul Constanta. Only Rasheed Akanbi will have to rest due to injury, but there are no other absentees.
Predicted line-up of Sheriff Tiraspol:
No information available.
Farul Constanta – Sheriff Tiraspol Direct comparison / H2H-balance
FCV Farul Constanta and FC Sheriff Tiraspol meet for the first time ever
Farul Constanta – Sheriff Tiraspol Tip
FC Sheriff Tiraspol is the favourite in the first round match against FCV Farul Constanta. In the second leg at the latest, the Moldovan record champions should hold their own against the CL newcomers and thus punch their ticket for the second round. If FCV Farul’s recent form is anything to go by, a defeat for the Romanian representatives cannot be ruled out in the first leg.
After the weak summer preparation, the negative trend at the “Marinarii” continued at least at the level of competitive matches. In the Super Cup against Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe, they lost 0:1 after a poor performance. It was the third match in a row in which Farul Constanta failed to score a goal
With the current state of the Romanian hosts, we think it’s a good idea to bet on the visitors in Farul Constanta vs Sheriff Tiraspol.
