Prediction: Neftchi Baku win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
The dust has finally settled and it’s time for football fans to shift their focus back from the international game to the domestic once more. In addition to the Summer Olympics being right around the corner and the Premier League returning next month, the UEFA Champions League is actually up and running already with a parade of new qualifying fixtures for people to enjoy. Included in that mix this week is the impending second leg encounter between Neftchi Baku and Dinamo Tbilisi.
Neftchi Baku
After a seven-year win streak in Azerbaijan’s Premier League, Qarabag saw their reign of terror come to an end this past season with Neftchi Baku seizing control of the division. They did so through somewhat dull play at times but as they say, slow and steady always seems to win the race. Moving forward, it’ll be pretty interesting to see how they balance their European commitments, especially seeing as it’s been so long since they’ve found themselves in this position.
Team News
Meza Colli looks set to keep his place in the starting XI ahead of Nacafov, Alasgarov will continue to lead the way and. with no major injury concerns to worry about, Neftchi could well push on with a similar side that started in the first leg.
Dinamo Tbilisi
As they continue to fight it out with Dinamo Batumi at the top of Georgia’s top flight, Tbilisi will also now need to focus their attention on European qualification. They somewhat struggled in the first leg to really get themselves up and going and, even after equalising, looked as if they should probably be giving Baku a bit of a tougher time than they did. With that being said, they do have impact players that could help to change this tie if they start on the front foot.
Team News
Dinamo also have no new injury worries but a change in mentality could be coming in order to diversify their attacking options. Osei is set to come back into the mix, with Kutsia and Gabedava both potentially being on the chopping block.
Conclusion
This one is going to be the definition of scrappy for two sides who just want to go as far as they possibly can on their Champions League journey. This is where the underdogs attempt to rise up and challenge the big boys and while that isn’t going to happen overnight, both teams will believe a win here could give them the momentum they need heading into the second round. With Neftchi being the home side, though, we expect them to get over the finish line with a 1-0 win that secures their aggregate success.
Prediction: Neftchi Baku win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport