Prediction: Valmiera vs Olimpija Ljubljana
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker:
Latvian side Valmiera will host NK Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon in the second leg of the Champions League first round qualifiers.
Valmiera lost the first leg 2-1, so they will need to win by at least two goals to advance to the next round. The winner of this match will face Ballkani of Kosovo or Ludogorets Razgrad of Bulgaria in the second qualifying round.
ValmieraValmiera's late goal in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Olimpija gives them hope and a chance to overturn the deficit in the second leg. Despite two goals down, their fighting spirit was evident as they managed to score one, showing they are not ready to give up on their European campaign.
Although they face a tough task against Olimpija, Valmiera's domestic form and recent cup win indicate they have the quality to compete and make an impact in European competitions. Winning the Latvian Top League last year and their solid performance in the Latvian Cup demonstrates that they have the ability to excel in their domestic competitions.
Playing at their home ground, the Jana Dalina Stadium, where they have an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak, should give Valmiera more confidence. The fact that they have scored 22 goals and conceded just seven in this run shows they are a formidable force on their home turf.
Team NewsValmiera boss Jurgis Kalns is expected to field a stronger starting line-up, bringing back several first-team regulars. After making some big changes in their recent cup game, Kalns are expected to return to a more familiar formation to maximize their chances of overturning the deficit.
Captain Alvis Jaunzems, midfielder Ivan Zhelizko and forwards Ruan Ribeiro and Alioune Ndoye are the only four players to have started in the last two games and are expected to retain their places in the starting XI. Carlos Olses is expected to return as first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Klavs Lauva.
The defensive line will likely consist of Jaunzems at right-back, joined by Daniels Balodis, Niks Sliede and Maksims Tonisevs, forming the back four. In midfield, Ivan Zhelizko should be accompanied by Adel Ghanem and Victor Diagne.
Ahead, Valmiera will rely on the attacking trio of Ruan Ribeiro, Alioune Ndoye and Camilo Mena to create goalscoring opportunities and try to close the gap in the overall score.
Olimpija LjubljanaOlimpija head into the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Valmiera with an advantage, having won the first leg 2-1. The Slovenian champions, under manager Joao Henriques, enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with five out of six friendly wins followed by their first leg triumph.
After winning the domestic title last season, Olimpija is aiming for further success in Europe. They are aiming to reach the second qualifying round of the Champions League and only need a draw in the second leg to achieve that goal.
Olimpija's history in Champions League playoffs dates back to the 1992-93 season, when they faced fearsome AC Milan in the first round, succumbing to a 7-0 aggregate defeat. They only managed to advance to the second round once in 2016-17 when they faced Trencin, losing on the away goals rule after a 6-6 draw.
Team NewsHenriques is expected to field a similar starting line-up for the crucial second leg against Valmiera. Young defender Marcel Ratnik, who played in the first leg, is expected to join new signing Ahmet Muhamedbegovic at centre-back.
Svit Seslar, who impressed last season with 10 goals, is expected to keep his place on the right flank. On the opposite wing, Pedro or Nemanja Motika should take the job. In attack, Ivan Posavec can support Mustafa Nukic, while Admir Bristric may have to settle for a place on the bench.
ConclusionWith their strong home record and an improved line-up, Valmiera will aim to build on their recent successes and capitalize on their home advantage to secure a positive result against Olimpija in the second leg. During this time, the visitors will aim to maintain their advantage and secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
These two teams are relatively even, and it will surely be an interesting competition. A draw seems like the most likely outcome, and of course that would suit the Slovenian team perfectly.
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker:
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker:
Latvian side Valmiera will host NK Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon in the second leg of the Champions League first round qualifiers.
Valmiera lost the first leg 2-1, so they will need to win by at least two goals to advance to the next round. The winner of this match will face Ballkani of Kosovo or Ludogorets Razgrad of Bulgaria in the second qualifying round.
ValmieraValmiera's late goal in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Olimpija gives them hope and a chance to overturn the deficit in the second leg. Despite two goals down, their fighting spirit was evident as they managed to score one, showing they are not ready to give up on their European campaign.
Although they face a tough task against Olimpija, Valmiera's domestic form and recent cup win indicate they have the quality to compete and make an impact in European competitions. Winning the Latvian Top League last year and their solid performance in the Latvian Cup demonstrates that they have the ability to excel in their domestic competitions.
Playing at their home ground, the Jana Dalina Stadium, where they have an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak, should give Valmiera more confidence. The fact that they have scored 22 goals and conceded just seven in this run shows they are a formidable force on their home turf.
Team NewsValmiera boss Jurgis Kalns is expected to field a stronger starting line-up, bringing back several first-team regulars. After making some big changes in their recent cup game, Kalns are expected to return to a more familiar formation to maximize their chances of overturning the deficit.
Captain Alvis Jaunzems, midfielder Ivan Zhelizko and forwards Ruan Ribeiro and Alioune Ndoye are the only four players to have started in the last two games and are expected to retain their places in the starting XI. Carlos Olses is expected to return as first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Klavs Lauva.
The defensive line will likely consist of Jaunzems at right-back, joined by Daniels Balodis, Niks Sliede and Maksims Tonisevs, forming the back four. In midfield, Ivan Zhelizko should be accompanied by Adel Ghanem and Victor Diagne.
Ahead, Valmiera will rely on the attacking trio of Ruan Ribeiro, Alioune Ndoye and Camilo Mena to create goalscoring opportunities and try to close the gap in the overall score.
Olimpija LjubljanaOlimpija head into the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Valmiera with an advantage, having won the first leg 2-1. The Slovenian champions, under manager Joao Henriques, enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with five out of six friendly wins followed by their first leg triumph.
After winning the domestic title last season, Olimpija is aiming for further success in Europe. They are aiming to reach the second qualifying round of the Champions League and only need a draw in the second leg to achieve that goal.
Olimpija's history in Champions League playoffs dates back to the 1992-93 season, when they faced fearsome AC Milan in the first round, succumbing to a 7-0 aggregate defeat. They only managed to advance to the second round once in 2016-17 when they faced Trencin, losing on the away goals rule after a 6-6 draw.
Team NewsHenriques is expected to field a similar starting line-up for the crucial second leg against Valmiera. Young defender Marcel Ratnik, who played in the first leg, is expected to join new signing Ahmet Muhamedbegovic at centre-back.
Svit Seslar, who impressed last season with 10 goals, is expected to keep his place on the right flank. On the opposite wing, Pedro or Nemanja Motika should take the job. In attack, Ivan Posavec can support Mustafa Nukic, while Admir Bristric may have to settle for a place on the bench.
ConclusionWith their strong home record and an improved line-up, Valmiera will aim to build on their recent successes and capitalize on their home advantage to secure a positive result against Olimpija in the second leg. During this time, the visitors will aim to maintain their advantage and secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
These two teams are relatively even, and it will surely be an interesting competition. A draw seems like the most likely outcome, and of course that would suit the Slovenian team perfectly.
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker:
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