Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Conference League Qualifying match.
RSC Anderlecht begin their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with a clear objective — to demonstrate that their elimination by BK Häcken was merely a minor setback. This fixture against FC Sheriff Tiraspol provides the team with an opportunity to regain the confidence of their supporters and underline their credentials on the European stage.
RSC Anderlecht
RSC Anderlecht appear well-structured and highly motivated. Despite their elimination from the UEFA Europa League qualifiers at the hands of BK Häcken (1:0, 1:2), Anderlecht have started strongly in their domestic league. They began their campaign with an emphatic 5:2 win over KV Westerlo, followed by a 2:0 victory against Cercle Brugge KSV. The return of Thorgan Hazard to the starting line-up has added both attacking impetus and balance to midfield — the midfielder has already scored three goals in the Belgian league. Anderlecht have won four of their last five home matches and remain unbeaten over that stretch. They are expected to take the initiative in this contest.
Sheriff Tiraspol
In contrast, Sheriff Tiraspol arrive in Belgium in low spirits. The team suffered two heavy defeats to Utrecht (1:3 and 1:4). While they managed a win over Dacia Chișinău in the Moldovan league, it does little to mask the fact that they had failed to secure a victory in the five matches prior. Their key midfielder Cyrille Bayala has only recently returned from injury and is unlikely to be fully match fit. Against stronger opposition on the road, Sheriff Tiraspol may once again falter under pressure.
RSC Anderlecht vs Sheriff Tiraspol Prediction
Anderlecht look more organised and determined than Sheriff Tiraspol. The Belgians are in a good position to assert their dominance from the first leg and are likely to win by at least a two-goal margin.
