Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Neither Ferencváros nor Qarabağ will be satisfied with elimination at the final hurdle of Champions League qualifying, even though both sides have already secured a place in the Europa League group stage. In Budapest, the attacking initiative should belong to the hosts — Ferencváros simply combine better in the opposition half and possess a wealth of talented players.
Ferencváros
Ferencváros supporters are unlikely to dwell on Saturday’s league defeat to Puskás Akadémia (1:2), as all focus is on the Champions League. In the previous rounds against Noah (6:5 on aggregate) and Ludogorets (3:0), the light-greens dictated proceedings. Last week in Budapest, the team comfortably dismantled the Bulgarian champions, generating 1.54 xG and hitting six shots on target.
Qarabağ
Unlike their opponents, Qarabağ’s domestic season has yet to begin, so their only competitive action has come in Europe. They were always expected to get past Shelbourne (4:0 on aggregate) and Shkëndija (6:1), as neither had the squad depth required for Champions League football. However, in North Macedonia the Azerbaijanis advanced only thanks to a Toral Bayramov penalty, with the hosts actually the more threatening in attack (6-7 shots on target).
Ferencváros vs Qarabağ Prediction
Ferencváros boast a far stronger squad than Qarabağ (51.2 million euros vs 24.8), and with home support behind them, the Hungarian champions should travel to Azerbaijan with an advantage.
