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Aberdeen vs. FCSB prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for Europa League play-off first leg

Alex Lawes

Aberdeen vs. FCSB prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for Europa League play-off first leg image

Scottish sides have experienced an extremely entertaining European campaign thus far, and now Aberdeen take to the stage as they face Romanian giants FCSB.

Aberdeen have started their Scottish Premiership season with back-to-back 2-0 losses, and Jimmy Thelin’s Dandies are under immediate pressure ahead of this UEFA Europa League playoff round first-leg.

FCSB, the artists formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, have endured an unconvincing European season with UEFA Champions League elimination to Shkendija, but they remain a tough test for Aberdeen.

The Sporting News brings you the preview and predictions as Aberdeen take on the Romanian champions at Pittodrie in a bid to reach the league phase.

MORE: Champions League 2025/26 predictions and latest betting

Aberdeen vs. FCSB, betting tips and odds

Home advantage will give Aberdeen confidence as they take on an FCSB side that have struggled on trips to Andorra and North Macedonia this season, but the Dons themselves are hardly overly secure at the back.

It could be quite an even contest and the draw is priced up at 2/1 by Sky Bet, with Aberdeen in at 7/5 and the Romanians priced up at 13/8 with the bookmaker.

The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Aberdeen 2-2 FCSB

  • A draw between Aberdeen and FCSB is viewed as a 33.3% probability by Sky Bet.

Aberdeen vs. FCSB expected lineups

Here's how we think these two sides will line up in Glasgow. 

Aberdeen lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)

  • Mitov (GK) — Jensen, Dorrington, Milne, Devlin — Shinnie, Heltne Nilsen — Milanovic, Aouchiche, Keskinen — Yengi

Injured: None
Suspended: None 

FCSB lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)

  • Tarnovanu (GK) — Cretu, Ngezana, Popescu, Pantea — Chiriches, Sut — Miculescu, Edjouma, Cisotti — Birligea

Injured: None 
Suspended: None 

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Aberdeen vs. FCSB latest odds, correct score betting

Our 2-2 prediction is at good odds with Sky Bet, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers. 

Result

Odds*

Draw 1-1

11/2

FCSB 1-0

15/2

Aberdeen 1-0

7/1

Aberdeen 2-1

17/2

Draw 0-0

9/1

*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.

Back your correct score pick with Sky Bet for £50 in FREE bets when you bet £10 on accas

Aberdeen vs. FCSB team news

  • Aberdeen head into this one with a fully fit and available squad, with new loanee Adil Aouchiche expected to play a key role in the number 10 position in behind former Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi.
  • Former Bolton Wanderers man Dennis Politic will be pushing for a start, but FCSB’s key man remains striker and Romania international Daniel Birligea, who is set to lead the line.

Aberdeen vs. FCSB Bet Builder tips

Our bet builder for this game is for both teams to score (8/11) with FCSB having the most corners in the match (11/10) and the aforementioned Birligea to score at anytime (11/4), which comes in at 7.77/1 overall with Sky Bet.

You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.

How to watch Aberdeen vs. FCSB: Live stream, TV channel

  • Date: Thursday, August 21
  • Venue: Pittodrie, Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Time: 7:45 p.m. BST
  • TV/Stream: BBC Scotland, BBC iPlayer

Alex Lawes

Alex Lawes is a freelance content producer for The Sporting News working on betting content for English-language editions. He has been working in sports media since November 2020, whilst still studying at University. He writes primarily on football but also covers cricket and darts, as well as other sports and entertainment markets.