Betting Tip
Tiraspol hosts the Slovenian side on home soil, and for the hosts this match is a chance to restore their reputation. Sheriff Tiraspol performed poorly in the last domestic championship: they missed out on the title and failed to reach Champions League qualifying. Now the team have to fight their way into the second-most important European club competition, so the players' motivation to beat the visitors in front of their own fans is extremely high.
The yellow-and-blacks are still searching for their game at the start of the new Super Liga: only two rounds have been played, and points have already been dropped — a 0:0 away draw with Politehnica UTM. However, at home the Moldovan club traditionally look much more assured. In eight of their last nine home matches in domestic competitions, Sheriff Tiraspol recorded wins without conceding, and they also won the remaining match. Viktor Mikhailov's players will almost certainly put active pressure on their opponents from the opening minutes, aiming to score an early goal and secure a comfortable cushion before the return leg.
Aluminij's situation is different. The Slovenian team are not among the favourites and reached European competition only thanks to winning the national cup. In their domestic league, the team from Kidricevo finished seventh, showing extremely weak defensive play — their goal difference was (-19). With an average of 1.8 goals conceded per match and an overall modest squad level, it will be extremely difficult for the visitors to count on success in Moldova. Away from home, the team risk losing their way under serious pressure.
It will be hard for the visitors to punch above their weight, especially with the statistics against them: at home in Europa League qualifying, Sheriff Tiraspol lose only to teams of Utrecht's level. The Slovenian side simply have nothing with which to break down such a wall, and their attack will stay quiet.