Ludogorets Backed To Take Early Edge In Europe

Ludogorets head into this tie with stronger recent European pedigree and are fancied to strike first away from home. Hapoel Tel Aviv have shown decent form, but their lack of recent continental action may count against them.

By 7MTHScore Staff

Hapoel Tel Aviv remain under the management of Barak this season. The club made permanent deals for two former loanees, Olympiacos left-back Redina and Levski Sporting centre-back Dzheko, but winger Loulso has been poached by Red Star Belgrade.

Ludogorets have appointed former Bochum, Schalke 04 and Samsunspor coach Thomas Reis this summer. Centre-back Sindi Bedzhi has moved on, but the club have brought in centre-back Edu Margut and also signed right-back Plandakov on loan from Sheffield United.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will be without forward Daniel Daper through injury, while Ludogorets are missing defender Oliver Verdon. Neither side has any suspensions.

Hapoel Tel Aviv finished third in the league last season and are one of the traditional clubs, but they have been away from European competition for quite some time. Their pre-season friendlies and cup performances have been acceptable, though the opposition was not especially strong.

Ludogorets are the reigning league champions and have become regulars in Europe in recent years. Last season they reached the Europa League knockout round play-offs and were only eliminated by Ferencvaros, so their overall European record has been solid. With superior experience on the continental stage, they look well placed to seize the initiative in this first leg, and an away win is the preferred pick.

The two sides have not met in recent years.