Prediction: Olimpija Ljubljana vs Valmiera
Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win
Best Rating: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Looking for a first-leg advantage in the opener of their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday night, Olimpija Ljubljana will host Valmiera at Stozice Stadium.
Olimpija LjubljanaStarting with the hosts, working their way to another Slovenian crown last season, Olimpija Ljubljana should be happy to focus on midweek Champions League duties. Capitalizing on what has been an eye-catching summer of pre-season action, Joao Henriques' men have won five of their six friendlies and they certainly found a real clinical advantage in the final third. Last week, the former Santa Cruz boss concluded his qualifying preparations with a 4-1 away routine against Slovenian rivals Rudar, the former Santa Cruz boss saw his top-flight side score nine goals in his last three appearances. Likewise, continuing to build a reputation for success at home, it's worth noting that Ljubljana have won eight of their last nine clashes at Stozice Stadium - a run dating back to March 12.
Team News
With a brace at Rudar last week, 32-year-old Mustafa Nukic should have the chance to lead Ljubljana's attack on Tuesday night. Truly impressive last season and playing a crucial role in Henriques' plans, youngster Svit Seslar is set to join Nukic in the final third.
David de Senna, a former Sporting Lisbon academy graduate, could be dropped at left-back. Slovenian international Matevz Vidovsek will start between the sticks in midweek.
ValmieraWhen it comes to the visitors, while Valmiera could have claimed a crucial boost last week as they fought their way to a stellar 6-0 home game against Tukums, the Latvian giants have largely struggled with their consistency either side of the June International. to break. Already accepting that it will take a miracle in their bid to defend their domestic crown, Jurgis Kains' side have only managed to muster a pair of wins in one of their previous seven appearances in all competitions - a race that dates back to May 27. Considered a crushing underdog when they opened their Champions League qualifying midweek adventure, Valmiera continued their nightmare on the road. Including a 3-0 battery at the hands of RFS last month, Tuesday's guests have come just one win away from Janis Dalins in their previous six attempts.
Team News
Finding the net against Tukums last week in that stunning 6-0 win and scoring his first goal since late May, former Palmeiras youngster Ruan Rodrigues is set to lead Valmiera's charge on Tuesday night.
Both gave a second-half break while on home duty last week, the duo of Alvis Jaunzems and Daniels Balodis will feature in defense here. Making a full comeback between the sticks last time out, 22-year-old Carlos Olses will be hoping to hold on to his midweek spot.
Key Factors to Consider Enjoying what has been a pre-season frolic, Olimpija Ljubljana have won five of their six friendly encounters. The reigning Slovenian champions have also won their last three friendlies by an aggregate score of 9-3. Henriques' men have won eight of their last nine appearances at Stozice Stadium - a run that dates back to March 12. Valmiera have won just two of their last seven domestic appearances in all competitions. Likewise, Tuesday's guests also recorded just one win in any of their previous seven meetings away from Janis Dalins.Conclusion
Regaining perfect momentum from their pre-season antics, Olimpija Ljubljana will be delighted to kick off their Champions League qualifying journey on Tuesday night. Winning five of their six friendlies this summer and truly finding a clinical advantage in the final third, the midweek hosts have also earned a reputation for prolonged success at Stozice Stadium. Having suffered only one defeat against their own supporters since the end of March, the Slovenian champions will be sure to take the advantage here in the first leg. Starting their qualifying campaign against a Valmiera side that have shown continued inconsistency this season, we expect what could be a pleasant home win here.
Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win
Best Rating: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win
Best Rating: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Looking for a first-leg advantage in the opener of their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday night, Olimpija Ljubljana will host Valmiera at Stozice Stadium.
Olimpija LjubljanaStarting with the hosts, working their way to another Slovenian crown last season, Olimpija Ljubljana should be happy to focus on midweek Champions League duties. Capitalizing on what has been an eye-catching summer of pre-season action, Joao Henriques' men have won five of their six friendlies and they certainly found a real clinical advantage in the final third. Last week, the former Santa Cruz boss concluded his qualifying preparations with a 4-1 away routine against Slovenian rivals Rudar, the former Santa Cruz boss saw his top-flight side score nine goals in his last three appearances. Likewise, continuing to build a reputation for success at home, it's worth noting that Ljubljana have won eight of their last nine clashes at Stozice Stadium - a run dating back to March 12.
Team News
With a brace at Rudar last week, 32-year-old Mustafa Nukic should have the chance to lead Ljubljana's attack on Tuesday night. Truly impressive last season and playing a crucial role in Henriques' plans, youngster Svit Seslar is set to join Nukic in the final third.
David de Senna, a former Sporting Lisbon academy graduate, could be dropped at left-back. Slovenian international Matevz Vidovsek will start between the sticks in midweek.
ValmieraWhen it comes to the visitors, while Valmiera could have claimed a crucial boost last week as they fought their way to a stellar 6-0 home game against Tukums, the Latvian giants have largely struggled with their consistency either side of the June International. to break. Already accepting that it will take a miracle in their bid to defend their domestic crown, Jurgis Kains' side have only managed to muster a pair of wins in one of their previous seven appearances in all competitions - a race that dates back to May 27. Considered a crushing underdog when they opened their Champions League qualifying midweek adventure, Valmiera continued their nightmare on the road. Including a 3-0 battery at the hands of RFS last month, Tuesday's guests have come just one win away from Janis Dalins in their previous six attempts.
Team News
Finding the net against Tukums last week in that stunning 6-0 win and scoring his first goal since late May, former Palmeiras youngster Ruan Rodrigues is set to lead Valmiera's charge on Tuesday night.
Both gave a second-half break while on home duty last week, the duo of Alvis Jaunzems and Daniels Balodis will feature in defense here. Making a full comeback between the sticks last time out, 22-year-old Carlos Olses will be hoping to hold on to his midweek spot.
Key Factors to Consider Enjoying what has been a pre-season frolic, Olimpija Ljubljana have won five of their six friendly encounters. The reigning Slovenian champions have also won their last three friendlies by an aggregate score of 9-3. Henriques' men have won eight of their last nine appearances at Stozice Stadium - a run that dates back to March 12. Valmiera have won just two of their last seven domestic appearances in all competitions. Likewise, Tuesday's guests also recorded just one win in any of their previous seven meetings away from Janis Dalins.Conclusion
Regaining perfect momentum from their pre-season antics, Olimpija Ljubljana will be delighted to kick off their Champions League qualifying journey on Tuesday night. Winning five of their six friendlies this summer and truly finding a clinical advantage in the final third, the midweek hosts have also earned a reputation for prolonged success at Stozice Stadium. Having suffered only one defeat against their own supporters since the end of March, the Slovenian champions will be sure to take the advantage here in the first leg. Starting their qualifying campaign against a Valmiera side that have shown continued inconsistency this season, we expect what could be a pleasant home win here.
Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win
Best Rating: 4/11
Bookmaker:
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