The 2018/19 UEFA Europa League enters match day two on Thursday and there are many games to look forward to on the continent. Group C has the potential to be one of the most closely fought and this week Bordeaux welcome FC Copenhagen to the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
With Slavia Prague the only team with 3 points from the opening round of matches, both clubs know they need a win in this game if they are to keep pace with the leaders.
Bordeaux have made an inconsistent start to the season, which is highlighted by their 9th place in Ligue 1. They have won three, drawn two and lost three of their eight games this season and have struggled to find a run of good form.
The French club lost their first game in Europa League Group C, going down 1-0 at Slavia Prague. It was a bad start to the campaign having come through the long qualifying rounds in the summer. However, since that defeat Bordeaux have remained unbeaten, winning two and drawing one of their three Ligue 1 matches.
Bordeaux have been in good form at home in the Europa League and trends show they have won five of their last seven games on home soil, including each of the last four. Defensively they have been good at home in the Europa League, conceding an average of 0.67 goals this season.
FC Copenhagen started their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw at home against Zenit St Petersburg. The Danes came from behind to claim a point and get their Europa League season under way.
Overall form has dipped a little in recent weeks and FC Copenhagen have won only two of their last five games. Ahead of the game at FC Midtjylland in the Danish SuperLiga on the 16th September FC Copenhagen were unbeaten. However, they lost that game and were defeated on the weekend, losing 2-1 at Vendsyssel.
Away form has been mixed and FC Copenhagen have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five away matches in all competitions.
Trends show FC Copenhagen are tough to beat in the Europa League and they have remained undefeated in their last nine games in the competition. Under 2.5 goals were scored in four of their last five away Europa League matches.
Team news and Bordeaux are expected to be without Theo Pellenard and Alexandre Mendy but every other player is available for Eric Bedouet’s team.
FC Copenhagen are without central defender Michael Luftner, who is expected to miss much of the Europa League campaign with a serious injury. Top scorer Dame N’Doye should start up-front.
Both teams have shown decent form in the Europa League this season and Bordeaux will be keen to make up for their defeat on match day one. However, FC Copenhagen are not easy to beat and we could see a draw with under 2.5 goals scored.