Today we take a look at round 5 of group L, a group in which the fates of each side are almost decided. The first match, however, will see two sides still battling it out for the second spot, Rosenborg, and Real Sociedad, with the latter coming into the game with a four-point advantage over their Norwegian rivals. The second match will see two teams that have their fates already decided, with Zenit Petersburg already through to the next Europa League round, while Vardar was out before round 1 even started.
Rosenborg (Nor) vs. Real Sociedad (Spa)
Three-Way: 1: Rosenborg +380; X: +279 Draw ; Real Sociedad -108 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Rosenborg +112; Real Sociedad -115
Total +2.5: Over +104; Under -109
Rosenborg
With the end of the Eliteserien, the Norwegian first tier, just over the horizon, Rosenborg have already sealed the trophy, with an eight-point lead gap between themselves and second place with just one game to go. The league win is their third in a row, with a huge part played by the great Nicklas Bendtner who finished the season as top scorer of the Norwegian Premier Division with nineteen goals to his name.
With the title sealed, Rosenborg’s European campaign is in jeopardy as they currently occupy third position, five points behind Real Sociedad, who are conveniently their next opponents, and they know that they will have to win if they are to stand a chance of qualifying. Progressing to the knockout rounds of a European competition is a feat never achieved by Rosenborg, so it would seem that history and odds are against them, but they will still fancy their chances, especially with Nicklas Bendtner who can get at and ask questions of any defense in European football.
Manager Kare Ingebrigtsen will have a full squad for Thursday’s match, other than central-midfielder Magnus Stamnestro due to a knee operation.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have so far met expectations in La Liga, taking eighteen points from twelve matches leaving them in seventh place. Recent form has seen the Spanish side beaten just once in nine, and will hope to continue their form to break into the top six to move into those coveted European qualification spots.
In Europe, Real Sociedad has been in great form, almost already sealing a qualification spot in the second position with three wins in four games. Their last Europa League match came against a poor Vardar side as the Spanish side completely dominated in a 3:0 win. Real Sociedad will be fully aware that avoiding a loss against Rosenborg will ensure a spot in the last 32, a position that they have not been in since making the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League in the 2003-04 season.
Manager Eusebio will be missing right-back Carlos Martinez (ruptured cruciate ligament), centre-forward Imanol Agirretxe (hamstring) and centre-back Diego Llorente (wound).
Rosenborg (Nor) vs. Real Sociedad (Spa)- Match Prediction:
With Rosenborg already having won their domestic league, they will be able to use all their resources and focus all of their energy on Thursday’s match. Therefore, despite the last result finishing 4:0 between the two sides, Rosenborg should be set up to offer better opposition in their next battle and will also be desperate for the three points. I predict that they’ll fall just short of that expectation, unfortunately, and only manage a draw.
MY PICK: DRAW (+279)
Zenit Petersburg (Rus) vs. Vardar (Mac)
Three-Way: 1: Zenit Petersburg -526; X: +1200 Draw; 2: Vardar +3300 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -2.5: Zenit Petersburg -115; Vardar +117
Total +3.5: Over -118; Under +112
Zenit Petersburg
Zenit Petersburg current second place spot in the Russian division does not completely reflect their recent form, having failed to win in four matches until their recent 5:0 mauling of Tosno. With qualification sealed in the Europa League, Zenit Saint Petersburg will still have their mind on the league as they try to recover a 3-point gap between themselves and Lokomotiv Moscow and the top of the league.
Having already secured qualification to the round of 32, Zenit Petersburg has been in emphatic form, going unbeaten in their four Europa League matches. Their last Europa League fixture resulted in their only winless match of their European campaign, a 1:1 draw away at Rosenborg to put their group L winning credentials into doubt. Although it was their first winless match, you could say they were a little lucky to get away with a draw as forward Aleksandr Kokorin equalized in the 93rd minute to rescue a crucial point. Despite just the draw, it confirmed Zenit Petersburg’s qualification, and their fans will be hoping that they can reach further than the round of 32, as that is where they were eliminated last season.
Manager Roberto Mancini will be without central midfielder Viktor Faizulin (knee operation) and Andrey Lunev through injury, but will otherwise have a full team on Thursday.
Vardar
Having won Macedonia’s top-flight league competition in each of the last three seasons, Vardar will be somewhat disappointed that they have found themselves eleven points behind current league leaders Shkendija, even though they still have two games in hand. A recent three-game losing streak may be pointed towards as the cause for such a point deficit, however, they have since gone onto a three-game win streak, which Vardar can hope will boost their confidence for the upcoming Europa League fixture.
That being said, Vardar’s next match is purely about pride, as they have already been eliminated from the competition after losing all four of their Europa League ties. Although they were drawn in a group with the much tougher opposition, the Macedonian side has been shown no mercy, coming under some embarrassing results as they conceded seventeen goals in their four matches, scoring just once. However, having never qualified for the Europa League proper before, it’s fair to say that success was never on the cards.
Manager Cedomir Janevski will have a full squad for Thursday’s match, other than right-back Vladica Brdarovski who is out with a wound.
Zenit Petersburg (Rus) vs. Vardar (Mac)– Match Prediction:
With Zenit Petersburg clearly the stronger side, with top talent in a top league, on any given day Macedonian side Vardar should struggle. And this match is no different, other than that it is already set up for the perfect storm, with Vardar having nothing to play for while the Russian side has a top position in the group to maintain, in the hopes of being drawn an easier team in the next round. Add to that that Zenit have the home advantage, and I think we are looking at a thrashing.
MY PICK: Zenit Petersburg -2.5 AH (-115)
