Betting Tip
Qarabag prepared for the Europa League through friendly matches, with their first objective being to reach the league phase. For Vestri, the initial task is to gain competitive experience in European competition.
Qarabag under Gurban Gurbanov played opponents of varying levels in pre-season, from Austria's Tirol (4:0) to Turkey's Fenerbahce (0:1). Several foreign players have already joined Qarabag, including Swedish-Gambian striker Zakaria Sawo. Last season he scored 10 goals in 22 matches for AEL Limassol. On home soil, Qarabag can beat not only debutants from Iceland but also half the clubs from Europe's leading leagues.
Vestri will play in European competition for the first time in a year when they returned to the country's First Division, the second tier. The club from Isafjardarbaer earned a place in Europa League qualifying thanks to their first-ever Icelandic Cup triumph. Of course, in this tie, especially in the first meeting, Vestri have very little chance even of a draw. There is only one route to getting one: sit deep around their own penalty area and hope the hosts keep missing the target or goalkeeper Marvin Darri Steinarsson has an inspired game.
Such an unlikely turn of events is hard to believe in, so the best option is to back Qarabag on a handicap that points to a rout: Qarabag (-2.5).