Preview: Ludogorets Razgrad vs. FC Midtjylland - prediction, team news, lineups

FC Midtjylland will travel to Bulgaria for the final matchday of the Europa League group stage knowing that only victory will do if they are to progress to the knockout rounds.

They will come up against a Ludogorets Razgrad side who are already eliminated, but they will be hoping to claim their first win of the group phase on Thursday.

Match preview

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Ludogorets will play their final game in European competition this season on Thursday night after only collecting one point from their five group games

That sole point came as a result of a 1-1 draw against Midtjylland on matchday one, however, four consecutive Europa League defeats has left the Bulgarian side stranded in fourth place.

Although there may be little to play for, a win on Thursday would end Ludogorets's 17-game winless run in the Europa League proper.

Interim boss Stanislav Genchev has seen his team win their last three games, which has helped them race into a nine-point lead in the Bulgarian First League.

Thursday's hosts will hope that they can transfer their league form into the Europa League as they look to beat Danish opposition for the first time in European competition.

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Meanwhile, only a win will do for Midtjylland with the Danish side sat in third place in Group F after collecting eight points in their five games.

A place in the Europa Conference League is guaranteed, but after winning their last two Europa League games, they will be hopeful of reaching the Europa League knockout stages.

Their most recent victory in the Europa League came in dramatic circumstances, with Evander scoring from the spot in stoppage time to claim a 3-2 victory over Braga.

Bo Henriksen's side head into Thursday's encounter in a confident mood following a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

If Midtjylland manage to collect three points in Bulgaria, they will compete in the Europa League knockout stages for only the second time.

Team News

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Ludogorets are expected to without Higinio Marin, Anton Nedyalkov and Wanderson with injury issues set to rule the trio out of Thursday's encounter.

After scoring five goals in his last three appearances, Pieros Sotiriou will be the home side's main goal threat.

Midtjylland are missing Marrony, who is unavailable due to injury.

Raphael Onyedika is suspended for Thursday's contest after collecting his third yellow card of the group stage against Braga.

With Onyedika suspended, Charles is expected to partner Evander in the centre of midfield.

Ludogorets Razgrad possible starting lineup:

Padt; Ikoko, Terziev, Verdon, Cicinho; Goncalves, Show, Cauly; Yankov, Despodov, Sotiriou

FC Midtjylland possible starting lineup:

Lossl; Dalsgaard, Sviatchenko, Juninho; Andersson, Charles, Evander; Paulinho; Isaksen, Sisto, Bramado

We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 1-2 FC Midtjylland

It could be a nervy evening for the visitors in Bulgaria, but after consecutive victories in the Europa League, we think that Midtjlland will collect the victory they require to reach the Europa League knockout stages.