Aluminij vs Sheriff Tiraspol Predictions
Aluminij and Sheriff Tiraspol meet in Slovenia on Thursday with everything still to play for after last week's goalless draw in Moldova.
With plenty at stake and little to choose between the sides, another tight fixture seems likely.
I have my money on under 2.5 match goals at Ljudski vrt.
Tight Encounter on the Cards
- Aluminij have seen under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches (competitive fixtures)
- Aluminij failed to score in 5 of their last 6 matches (competitive fixtures)
- Sheriff Tiraspol have seen under 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 9 matches
- Sheriff Tiraspol failed to score in their last 3 away matches
First Meeting Finished Goalless
Sheriff and Aluminij played out a 0-0 draw in their first-ever encounter in Moldova last week.
Aluminij Still Chasing History
Aluminij return to Slovenia with plenty of belief after frustrating Sheriff with a hard-fought goalless draw in Tiraspol.
The Slovenian Cup winners produced a disciplined defensive display to earn a valuable clean sheet in their first-ever European fixture.
Jure Arsic's side have struggled for consistency since the end of last season, however. Aluminij have won just one of their last nine matches in all competitions and remain winless in pre-season.
A lack of attacking quality has been the biggest issue for the Slovenian hosts. Aluminij scored just two goals in their last eight competitive contests.
Sheriff Fail to Hit Heights
Sheriff make the trip to Slovenia after last week's frustrating 0-0 in Moldova. Victor Mihailov's side extended their unbeaten run to eight matches, but a lack of cutting edge prevented the Moldovans from taking a first-leg advantage.
Tiraspol did bounce back to winning form on the weekend, with a 4-2 domestic victory against Zimbru in the Moldovan Super League.
The Wasps have become regular participants in UEFA competition over the past decade and should benefit from that experience in a high-pressure second leg.
Sheriff have also enjoyed an impressive run of domestic form, losing just one of their last 19 matches in all competitions.
Still, a lack of quality in the forward areas could prove an issue this week. Sheriff failed to score in four of their last nine matches.
Aluminij vs Sheriff Tiraspol Team News
Aluminij (4-2-3-1): Florijan Raduha; Vid Koderman, Matija Boben, Dino Simunic, Hanus Sorensen; Matic Vrbanec, Eric Taylor; Bamba Susso, Tomislav Jagic, Petar Petrisko; Bede Amarachi Osuji.
Aluminij boss Jure Arsic is unlikely to make significant changes after his side kept a clean sheet in Moldova.
Summer arrivals Matija Boben, Dino Simunic and Bede Osuji are all expected to retain their places in the first XI.
Sheriff Tiraspol (4-2-3-1): Ivan Dyulgerov; Rai Lopes, Soumaila Magassouba, Natus Jamel Swen, Miguel Mota; Samba Kone, Dhoraso Klas; Juanca Pineda, Ze Flores, Luis Phelipe; Jayder Asprilla.
Sheriff head coach Victor Mihailov has no major injury concerns ahead of the trip to Slovenia.
Jayder Asprilla is expected to spearhead the attack, while Luis Phelipe and Ze Flores should continue in support.