Sheriff Tiraspol vs Aluminij Predictions
Sheriff Tiraspol should have enough quality and European know-how to secure a first-leg advantage in Thursday’s Europa League qualifier.
I’m backing Sheriff Tiraspol to win with at least two goals expected.
Sheriff Backed in Tiraspol
- Sheriff Tiraspol won 4 of their last 6 matches
- Sheriff Tiraspol scored 2+ goals in 8 of their last 9 wins
- Aluminij lost 3 of their last 5 matches
- Aluminij conceded 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
Sheriff and Aluminij Set For First Meeting
Sheriff Tiraspol and Aluminij will meet for the first time on Thursday.
Sheriff in Solid Form
Sheriff Tiraspol come into Thursday’s Europa League contest after a solid start to their domestic campaign in Moldova.
Victor Mihailov’s side picked up a 0-0 draw against FC Politehnica in their most recent Moldovan Super Liga fixture. Tiraspol kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win against Real Sireti at the end of June.
Last season’s Super Liga runners-up have been in decent form since the end of last season, picking up 14 victories while losing just one of their last 18 matches.
The Wasps have been a regular presence in European competitions in recent seasons and famously reached the Champions League group stage in 2021.
Aluminij Face Difficult Away Test
Aluminij make the trip to Moldova after a poor start to their pre-season preparations.
The Slovenian side suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat against Partizan at Sportni park Aluminij earlier this month, and have now failed to win any of four pre-season friendlies.
Out of sorts since the end of last season, Aluminij have failed to win eight of their last nine matches since April.
Jure Arsic’s men also slipped to a 2-0 friendly defeat against Armenian side Noah in late June.
Aluminij are making their senior European debut after winning the Slovenian Cup last season. A 1-0 win against Brinje Grosuplje in the final last May secured their first silverware in over a decade.
Sheriff Tiraspol vs Aluminij Team News
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 have a strong squad available, with Ivan Dyulgerov, Emil Timbur, Jayder Asprilla and Vlad Lupascu among those expected to feature on Thursday.
Head coach Mihailov has no reported injury issues.
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 have several new faces available, with experienced centre-back Matija Boben, Croatian defender Dino Simunic and Nigerian striker Bede Osuji among the summer arrivals.