The teams that survive this final qualification round will find themselves only one step short of securing the Europa League group stage appearance and at least six more matches in this competition during the autumn. For every team, especially the ones coming from the countries whose associations are not placed high in the UEFA country coefficients rankings, this means great financial benefits and can present a turning point in their entire history.
On the other side, the joy that team’s success provides to its fans cannot be measured in any currency. Bragging rights and the sense of pride are all that any supporter can ask for and when they’re provided, the sky is the limit. Let’s see whose fans have the best chances of getting those gifts.
Skenderbeu (Alb) vs. Mlada Boleslav (Cze)
Three-Way: 1: Skenderbeu +185; X: +225; Mlada Boleslav +175
Spread 0: Skenderbeu +100; Mlada Boleslav -110
Total +2.5: Over +138; Under -149
SKENDERBEU
The Albanian representatives, Skenderbeu Korce, team that started the competition in the first qualifying round of the Europa League is just one step short of advancing to the next stage.
In the first leg in Czech Republic, they recorded a solid result, losing the game 2:1. Striker Liridon Latifi scored the only goal for the guests four minutes before the final whistle, thus improving squad’s chances in achieving one of the best results in team’s history.
During the offseason, team signed five new players including Montenegrin centre-forward Goran Vujovic who came from Buducnost Podgorica on a free transfer, while several young players got back from their loan spells. On the other side, midfielder Cornel Petrescu and Hamdi Salihi left the team, also on a free transfer basis. Centre-back Tefik Osmani will not be available for the rematch because of the suspension.
MLADA BOLESLAV
After defeating the Irish team, Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round of the Europa League (5:2 on aggregate) the Mlada Boleslav team cannot be completely satisfied with the result from the first leg when they recorded a win but conceded a goal at home meaning that the opponent from Albania needs only a minimal 1:0 win to advance to the next stage.
Scorers from the first game, Jan Chramosta and Adam Janos will have to contribute with at least one goal scored again if they don’t want to end the competition.
Similarly like their opponents, the Czechs were relatively active on the transfer market as three players left the team including centre-forward who signed for the national league competition rivals FC Zlin, Lukas Zeleznik as part of an financially undisclosed agreement. On the other side, five players strengthened the roster including centre-forward Nikolay Komlichenko who came from the Russian side Krasnodar on loan. Manager Dusan Uhrin Jr. will not have right-back Jan Kysela available for the rematch because of some knee afflictions.
Skenderbeu (Alb) vs. Mlada Boleslav (Cze) – Match Prediction:
I’m positive that both teams will score at least one goal in the rematch, making the over bet in total goals section an easy choice.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 goals (+138)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (+100)
Shkendija (Mac) vs. Trakai (Ltu).
Three-Way: 1: Shkendija -213; X: +376; Trakai +750
Spread -1.5: Shkendija +127; Trakai -141
Total +2.5: Over -114; Under +110
SHKENDIJA
Macedonian Cup winners, Shkendija team from Tetovo defeated teams from Moldova and Finland in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League and now they’re up against the Lithuanian representative, Trakai team.
First matchup in Vilnius went the home teams way, 2:1, but obviously, the guests from Macedonia managed to score one goal on the road that might prove to be invaluable when it comes to determining of the next stage traveler between these two. Hero for Shkendija in the first leg was Stenio Junior who scored an equalizer six minutes before the break.
Team from Tetovo wasn’t especially busy during the transfer window as they signed only three new guys including defender Olsi Teqja from KF Tirana. On the other side six players left the team and three were sent on a loan spells to national league rivals Shkupi and Gostivar. Defensive midfielder Stephan Vujcic (Cruciate ligament), centre-back Ardian Cuculi (suspension) and the scorer from the first leg, winger Stenio Junior (suspension) will not be available for the rematch.
TRAKAI
Lithuanian representatives Trakai eliminated two very strong opponents in the first two qualifying rounds of the competition, St. Johnstone from Scotland and IFK Norrkoping from Sweden, making the case for one of the underdog teams that might go far in the competition this season.
First leg at home could’ve gone better but they recorded the identical result against the Swedes in the second round (2:1 win) and still managed to advance. Arguably their best player, Maksim Maksimov was the double scorer last week with goals in first and 52nd minute of the match.
During the offseason, four players left the team on a free transfer basis while two new guys were signed. Defensive midfielder Eugen Zasavitchi came back to the team after a loan spell in Polish league competition. Russian manager, Oleg Vasilenko will have his entire roster available for the Thursday game.
Shkendija (Mac) vs. Trakai (Ltu) – Match Prediction:
As much as the books are considering them an underdog in this matchup, I think that the Lithuanian team can actually pull an upset and reach the next stage of the Europa League. One of the main reasons for the prediction is the fact that one of Shkendija’s best players and a scorer in the first leg, Stenio Junior will not be available in this upcoming game because of a red card suspension.
MY PICK: Trakai to qualify (+138)
Dinamo Minsk (Blr) vs. AEK Larnaca (Cyp)
Three-Way: 1: Dinamo Minsk +134; X: +229; AEK Larnaca +254
Spread -0.5: Dinamo Minsk +133; AEK Larnaca -147
Total +2: Over -127; Under +114
DINAMO MINSK
The Dinamo Minsk team had a pretty easy draw in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League, going past the teams from Faroe Islands and Macedonia, but in the third round they went on a collision course with Cypriot representatives AEK Larnaca and it didn’t go well in the first leg as they suffered a 2:0 loss in Cyprus.
Everything is still not lost but the possible advancement to the next round will demand a perfect performance at home on Thursday and I’m not sure if they can accomplish that.
Team roster is unrecognizable opposed to the last year as 16 players signed for the team (all on a free transfer basis) and 17 guys left the team. One of the most notable additions is the Serbian central midfielder Nikola Lukic who signed from Vozdovac, team that competes in the Serbian Premier League. Interim coach Sergey Gurenko will have the entire team available for the rematch.
AEK LARNACA
The Cyprian first division runners-up, AEK Larnaca team stormed through the first two Europa League qualifying rounds by defeating Gibraltar representative Lincoln Red Imps and Irish team Cork City with only one goal conceded and eight scored.
They weren’t considered as the favorites against Dinamo but they managed to record a great result in the first leg at home, defeating the Belarus side 2:0 with goals by Alberto Sansimena Chamorro Tete and Hector Hevel. If they advance to the next round, it will be the biggest success in the team history.
They significantly strengthened their roster during the offseason as eight players arrived from couple of very strong team like Sporting Gijon (Spanish La Liga2) and Ural (Russian Premier League). On the other side, defender Ilias Charalampous retired while right-back Konstantions Mintikkis went on a loan deal. Head coach Imanol Idiakez will not have goalie Ruben Mino at his disposal because of an injury.
Dinamo Minsk (Blr) vs. AEK Larnaca (Cyp) – Match Prediction
I just can’t imagine the situation when the team from Belarus can’t score at least one goal to the team from Cyprus and over in total goals sounds like the right choice in this matchup.
MY PICK: Over 2 goals (-127)
