PARTIZANI v QARABAG
Champions League
Wednesday 10th July 2019
Kickoff: 1630hrs
Pick: Qarabag AH-0.25
Bookmaker: Bet Victor
Odds: 1.66 (odds taken at 04:25 GMT, 09 July 2019)
The 1st qualifying round of the Champions League continues on Wednesday night and our next fixture features a clash between Albanian outfit, Parizani, and Azerbaijan side, Qarabag, as the betting tips continue at the Stadiumi Selman Stërmasi.
Champions League at Marathonbet
Partizani Prediction – Can Partizani return to winning ways?
Partizani finished top of the Albanian domestic Superliga by a convincing 11-point margin ahead of 2nd placed Kukesi to earn a slot in the Champions League.
The hosts won 13 of their 18 matches on home turf at their Stadiumi Selman Stërmasi during the season to claim the league title.
However, their title-winning margin might have been even more impressive had Partizani not failed to win their last 3 matches of the season.
A 2-0 loss away at Teuta Durres was followed by disappointing back-to-back 1-1 draws with Kukesi and Luftetari Gjirokaster respectively.
An additional loss in a club friendly 2-1 away at Slovenian side Mura, was followed by a 1-0 victory away at Polish side, Cracovia Krakow.
These recent inconsistent results may work against Partizani as they face a solid Qarabag outfit in this 1st leg, despite being at home.
Qarabag will be a totally new prospect for Partizani as the two teams have never met before, but Partizani possess limited experience in the Champions League.
The host’s last foray into the Champions League ended in a 3-0 loss on aggregate to Austrian side, Salzburg back in 2016.
Qarabag Prediction – Can Qarabag take a lead back to Azerbaijan?
The margin of Qarabag’s title winning season wasn’t as large as Partizani’s but nevertheless, an 8-point lead was too much for 2nd placed Neftci.
The visitors lost just twice throughout the whole of the domestic Azerbaijan Premyer Liqa season, once at home, once on the road.
With just 2 defeats out of their last 20 matches in all competitions, Qarabag look a decent outfit and will be hard to beat over two legs I fancy.
Just 2 defeats from their last 10 away matches in all competitions, which were at Qebele and Ludogorets, also make them difficult opponents.
Qarabag also possess extensive experience at Champions League level and they’ve lost just 3 of their last 10 Champions League matches.
Wins over Olimpija and Kukesi along with notable draws with Atletico Madrid (home and away) and BATE show their pedigree.
In addition, Qarabag have lost just 3 of their last 11 Champions League matches away from home, so they’ll be confident of at least avoiding defeat here.
Key-Facts – Partizani v Qarabag
- Partizani’s last foray into the Champions League ended in a 3-0 loss on aggregate
- Qarabag have lost just 3 of their last 11 CL matches away from home
- Qarabag held Atletico Madrid to draws home and away in 2017
Betting Tips Verdict
Although they hold home advantage, this could be a long night for Partizani against a strong Qarabag side.
