Noah secured a narrow 1:0 win in the first leg in Yerevan. The key question now is whether they can protect that lead in Podgorica. Despite playing at home, Budućnost Podgorica are not seen as the favourites.
Both the Montenegrin and Armenian leagues operate on an autumn-to-spring schedule, meaning neither league had featured official matches since late May prior to this meeting. Unlike Budućnost Podgorica, Noah featured in a friendly against FC DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda (2:1), which may have helped achieve victory in the heat of Yerevan. That outing could have been beneficial for the squad.
The match in Yerevan marked the first competitive appearance under the Croatian manager. Despite guiding Noah to their maiden domestic title, Rui Mota was replaced by a more European-seasoned figure formerly with Ludogorets Razgrad. Budućnost Podgorica also underwent a managerial change, with Nenad Lalatovic taking over on 1 July. The reigning champions had played three friendlies—two of which ended in defeat—prior to his arrival.
Noah are still considered favourites. This is largely because their squad is valued at more than twice that of Budućnost Podgorica — £12 million compared to £5.2 million — and the hosts are still adjusting to their new head coach. Conditions in Podgorica are expected to be similarly hot. We believe a second win for Noah is far from certain, which is why we are backing the level handicap.
