Servette vs Ludogorets
UEFA Europa Conference League
Knockout Play-offs
Thursday
15th February 2024
Stade de Geneve
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa Conference League fixture between Servette and Ludogorets.
Servette vs Ludogorets: Preview
Servette form analysis
Servette’s group stage campaign highlighted their defensive frailties against higher quality opposition. They were convincingly beaten 4-0 by Roma in Italy, struggling to contain the Serie A side’s potent attack led by Lukaku and Belotti who both scored. Servette bounced back with a battling 1-1 home draw against Sheriff, equalizing late through Ankeye after conceding first. They followed this up with an important 2-1 away win over Sheriff, taking the lead through an own goal before Bedia’s late penalty winner secured three crucial points.
However, Servette’s defensive issues were exposed again in a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Slavia Prague. Three first half goals put them in an opening that was too profound to even consider moving out of, as Slavia’s assault went crazy. While a few positive exhibitions saw them finish third, Servette’s defective backline was routinely penetrated by top European attackers. They will need to shore up defensively if they hope to progress further in future continental campaigns. But the experience gained in competing at this level was valuable for the Swiss side.
Ludogorets form analysis
Ludogorets finished second in their group, highlighting their quality in the competition. They started the group stage impressively, thrashing Nordsjaelland 7-1 at home with a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Cauly and two goals from Norwegian midfielder Nygren. However, they struggled away against Fenerbahce, losing 3-1 after conceding twice in the first half hour. But Ludogorets responded well, securing an important 2-0 home win over the Turkish giants with goals from Polish midfielder Piotrowski and Cruz.
In their final away match, Ludogorets showed resilience to come from behind and win 2-1 against Spartak Trnava thanks to a goal from Duah and late winner from Daniel. They sealed second place with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nordsjaelland, with Piotrowski’s late strike securing the three points. While they lost to Fenerbahce away, Ludogorets’ attacking play served them well overall as they finished runners-up in the group. With a second place finish, they progressed to the knockout stage and can be pleased with their performance in the competition.
Servette vs Ludogorets: Prediction
An average of three goals was witnessed in the hosts’ last five UEFA fixtures. This figure is 3.4 in the visitors’ last five UEFA results. Chances are slim to none that we will see a low scoring game.
The home team were defeated just once at home in Europe this season despite competing in the Europa League. Their opponents meanwhile, have lost three of their four Conference League fixtures on the road. I don’t see Servette going behind in the first leg.
