Tuesday 29/07/2014, 20:00, Champions League Qualifiers, Slovan Bratislava vs Sheriff Tiraspol
Slovan Bratislava vs Sheriff Tiraspol Preview
Slovan Bratislava is not exactly the best team of those trying to qualify for the Champions League, nor the most experienced one. Even so, this appears to be the perfect time for them to make the giant leap forward and play in the group stage of the most important continental competition. They have won five games in a row and only once allowed a goal, so they should prove to be more than a match for Sheriff Tiraspol.
Slovan Bratislava vs Sheriff Tiraspol Odds
At Bet365
Slovan Bratislava 1.90, Draw 3.30, Sheriff Tiraspol 3.40
Slovan Bratislava vs Sheriff Tiraspol Tips
The hosts are using a rather defensive minded formation, with four midfielders, just as many defenders and only two strikers. So far this strategy worked like a charm, because even though Slovan doesn't take too many changes upfront, their backline is solid enough for the team to win with one goal scored.
Fort and Vittek are most likely going to be paired upfront after scoring 12 goals each last season and featuring in all the games so far. They pack quite a punch together and in conjunction with a potent midfield, they should provide the hosts with the steam power needed to overcome Sheriff Tiraspol.
The Moldavian side is also coming after a string of positive results and have won both Champions League Qualifying rounds so far. They scored 5 goals and allowed none in the previous stage against Sutjeka, but Slovan Bratislava is an opponent of entirely different caliber.
Henrique Luvanor is going to spearhead the offensive, which is hardly a surprise, since the striker scored 26 goals last season. He has more than the next two most successful strikers combined and in a starting formation that is very likely to be a conservative 5-4-1, Henrique is the top favorite to start.
Key Facts
- Sheriff Tiraspol won four of the last six games, but on those occasions when they lost, they did it by 3-1 each time.
- Slovan Bratislava won five games in a row and scored a combined seven goals over that span while conceding just one
Slovan Bratislava vs Sheriff Tiraspol Prediction
Slovan Bratislava needs to win the first leg to remain favorite to advance to the next stage, because offsetting a narrow margin defeat away from home would be very difficult. With Fort and Vittek healthy and in good form, the hosts should be strong enough to win the first match, even though victory will be probably obtained again by a single goal.
Bet: Slovan Bratislava @ 1.90 with Bet365
