Hacken vs CFR Cluj Prediction & Betting Tips (21 August)

BK Häcken enter their UEFA Europa Conference League clash against CFR Cluj with a renewed sense of purpose. After a turbulent run in the Allsvenskan, including a humbling 1–6 defeat to Djurgården, the Swedish side bounced back with a gritty 2–1 win over Anderlecht in the qualifiers. Manager Per-Mathias Høgmo has leaned on the attacking prowess of Amor Layouni and the midfield dynamism of Mikkel Rygaard to steer the team through recent challenges. Häcken’s home form has been patchy, but their ability to score in key moments—especially in European fixtures—makes them a dangerous opponent.

CFR Cluj, meanwhile, are navigating a transitional phase under the experienced Dan Petrescu. The Romanian outfit has had a mixed bag of results, including a narrow 2–3 loss to Universitatea Craiova and a 1–2 defeat to Braga in the Europa League qualifiers. Injuries have plagued their squad, with key players like Adrian Paun and Kenneth Omeruo sidelined. Still, the team boasts depth with Louis Munteanu leading the line and Ciprian Deac orchestrating play from midfield. Their away form remains a concern, having drawn or lost most of their recent fixtures outside Cluj-Napoca.

Tactically, Häcken are likely to press high and exploit Cluj’s defensive frailties, especially down the flanks. The Swedish side’s recent success against Anderlecht showcased their ability to capitalize on set pieces and counterattacks. Cluj, on the other hand, will aim to control the tempo and rely on their physical midfield to disrupt Häcken’s rhythm. Petrescu may opt for a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to frustrate the hosts and strike on the break. However, Häcken’s recent momentum and home advantage could tilt the balance in their favor.

With both teams desperate to progress, expect a tightly contested affair. Häcken’s attacking edge and Cluj’s vulnerability on the road suggest a narrow win for the Swedish side. A 2–1 scoreline feels fitting—Häcken to edge it with goals from Layouni and Rygaard, while Cluj respond through Munteanu. It won’t be a walk in the park, but Häcken’s resilience and tactical sharpness should see them through to the next round.