Who will win Aberdeen vs FCSB? Our writers deliver predictions for Europa League playoff first leg

It's a massive night for Jimmy Thelin's men as they look to secure a Europa League prize pot

It's now time for the Scottish Cup winners to collect their reward as Aberdeen face FCSB.

Jimmy Thelin 's men host the Liga I champions in the first leg of the final Europa League qualification hurdle this week, with the return led in the Romanian capital of Bucharest coming seven days later.

The loser of the tie will drop into the revamped group stage of the Conference League, with the victors set to claim the multi-million pound jackpot for reaching Europe's second-tier competition.

The Dons go into the game off the back of a 3-0 victory against Morton in the Premier Sports Cup and are brimming with confidence.

But will Aberdeen take an advantage to Romania? The Record Sport team has their say.

Scott Burns

This is a great opportunity for Aberdeen to make the group stages of the Europa League. FCSB haven’t made a great start to the season and Rangers have shown how fragile they can be last season.

Aberdeen 3 FCSB 1

Michael Gannon

Aberdeen have not been great in the Premiership but they have nothing to fear with FCSB. The artists formerly known as Steaua Bucharest got papped out the Champions League by a team from Macedonia.

The Dons should be taking a lead out there next week.

Aberdeen 2 FCSB 1

Graeme Young

Aberdeen are itching for a signature result to back up the brilliance of their Scottish Cup triumph. Jimmy Thelin’s side are at their best when they stick to plan and playing counter puncher could tee up a signature blow on the Romanians.

Aberdeen 1 FCSB 0

Ross Pilcher

It’s been a tough start to the season for Aberdeen, but all we’ve heard this week is how FCSB are already through and that Jimmy Thelin’s side won’t cause them any problems. It will no doubt be on the dressing room wall/in the What’sApp group chat and purely on that, I’m backing the Reds to make them eat their words.

Aberdeen 3 FCSB 0

Scott McDermott

If the Dons are patient and keep it tight at the back, they’ll get chances against a Steaua team who aren’t in great form going into this. With the Pittodrie crowd behind them they can nick a vital goal and give themselves a fighting chance of finishing the job in Romania.

Aberdeen 1 FCSB 0