Kauno Zalgiris secured just 28 out of possible 54 points in the Lithuanian top flight this season and recently sacked manager Eivinas Cerniauskas. I am backing the visitors to win on Tuesday.
Key Stats
- Kauno Zalgiris have lost 3 of their last 6 matches (Toplyga).
- Drita have won 2 of their last 4 matches (UCL Qualifiers).
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between Kauno Zalgiris and Drita.
Zalgiris Under New Leadership
Kauno Zalgiris have been in competitive action for quite some time, grabbing 28 points in 18 matches in the Lithuanian top flight this season and sit 4th on the table but with just a small deficit from the leaders Dziugas Telsiai.
Series of three defeats and one draw in late May and June forced them to appoint Zeljko Sopic as the new manager.
His debut was last weekend, Kauno Zalgiris locking horns against the leaders Dziugas Telsiai where they were more dangerous side with 4-1 shots on target but had to settle for a goalless draw.
Drita Had a Decent European Run Last Season
Drita have successfully defended title in the Kosovo top tier last season, finishing with 20 wins in 36 rounds, seven points ahead of Malisheva.
Interestingly, they wrapped up that previous campaign with three straight defeats against Dukagjini 2-0, Gjilani 2-0 and Malisheva 3-2, then lost all three pre-season friendlies in June.
Drita were beaten by CSKA Sofia 4-1, Lokomotiva Sofia 2-1 and most recently Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe 1-0 in their preparation matches.
Team News
Winger Leo Ribeiro is the only concern for the home side, currently being tagged as doubtful due to fitness problems. Amine Benchaib is their top performer this season with eight goals and three assists.
Drita have a lot of problems with injuries right now, Juan Camilo Mesa, Hasan Gomda, Rron Broja and Ilir Mustafa all being sidelined.