Aberdeen v RoPS
Thursday 11th July 1945hrs
Football – Europe– Europa League
Pick Aberdeen to win to nil
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: 7/10 (odds taken 23.15 GMT, Wednesday 10th July)
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 11/2 | 17/1 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from Bet Victor on July 10th, 2019 at 23.15)
Aberdeen embark on another Europa League campaign as Derek McInnes attempts to take his team into the group stage for the first time in his time at the club. Can Finnish outfit spring a surprise?!
Europa League Betting at Boylesports
Aberdeen Preview – Will Dons avoid humiliating early exit?
Aberdeen finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership last season but qualified through the backdoor due to Celtic winning the Scottish Cup. It gives McInnes an opportunity to achieve something that has eluded him thus far – reaching the group stage. Aberdeen have shown great consistency to qualify for Europe but through some difficult draws and the odd shock they have not made it beyond the third qualification round.
As is so often the case at Pittodrie, there has been a significant turnover in players in the close season. Club captain Graeme Shinnie has left for Derby and his influence will be missed in the campaign ahead. Craig Bryson has came in the opposite direction and although a different type of player he certainly brings quality and experience. Curtis Main has been signed from Motherwell and will be expected to be a source of goals for the Dons.
RoPS Preview – Can visitors make it uncomfortable for favoured Aberdeen?
RoPS are probably best known for their involvement in a match-fixing scandal in Finland in recent times. A number of players were caught up in it and sanctions brought against them but this current squad are attempting to make amends. The club finished second in the Finnish top-flight last season for the second time in four seasons. They may not compete regularly in European competition but they did manage past the first round back in 2016. Shamrock Rovers were on the receiving end of a shock on that occasion and RoPS will be looking to do similar this season.
After the success of last season it’s been a different story this time around. They’re currently third bottom having won only four of their 15 games so far. It’s hardly an inspiring run of form heading into Thursday’s game either with one win in their last six games. They have kept only one clean sheet in that time.
Key-Facts – Aberdeen v RoPS
- Aberdeen are regular participants in Europa League qualification but they have yet to make it past the third round
- This is the second time in four years RoPS have qualified for the Europa League – they made it to the second round last time
- The home team are big favourites for this first leg and to progress in the tie as a whole, and will be looking to avoid any slip-ups
Aberdeen v RoPS Betting Advice
The problem for so many with these ties is how early they come in their domestic seasons. Aberdeen will not play their first league game until the beginning of August. That lack of match sharpness could well be an issue heading into Thursday’s first leg, particularly as RoPS are well into their own season. McInnes will be wary of that but it’s also nothing new for his team. And they also have plenty of experience in recent seasons of dealing with this.
Regardless of the visitors being so far into their season compared to Aberdeen only having a couple of friendly games, anything other than a home win would be a big shock. The superior quality should tell in the end and the Dons can win without conceding a goal – setting them up for the away leg in a week’s time.
