Tip: Spartak Trnava to win
Spartak Trnava brought a valuable 2:1 win from Malta, giving them a solid starting point for the home leg. The Slovaks were more active in the first match and deservedly took the lead. Although Hibernians managed to equalize from a corner, Trnava quickly responded and regained the lead with a penalty converted by Roman Procházka. Importantly, the team showed character and tactical maturity, which is crucial in European competitions. Over the weekend, Spartak confirmed their form in the domestic league with a 3:0 demolition of Ružomberok. The team appears compact, with a clear defensive structure and effective transitions. Experienced players like Michal Ďuriš and Roman Procházka influence not only crucial moments but also the overall game organization. It's worth noting that both are one yellow card away from suspension, so caution is advised. On the other hand, Hibernians face a tough challenge. While they managed to keep up in the first leg, their chances mostly came from set-pieces. The Maltese squad lacks depth and tactical versatility needed to surprise their opponent on the road. Although Charleston might start after scoring off the bench, the quality clearly favors Spartak. Given the current form, greater experience, and home advantage, we expect Spartak Trnava to manage the match and secure advancement to the next stage of the Conference League.
Tip: Rosenborg to win
Lithuanian side Banga travels into the second leg after a 0:5 thrashing in the opener, with practically no hope for a miracle. The team also suffers from deeper offensive issues – they’ve failed to score in their last four competitive matches. This inability to pose a threat in the attacking third is one of the main reasons the team stands on the brink of elimination. In addition to their poor form, Banga will be without midfielder Matas Ramanauskas, who is suspended due to yellow cards. Even if the home side attempts a more offensive approach in front of their fans, Rosenborg’s defense is at a much higher level than what Banga is used to in their domestic league. Rosenborg, in contrast, is going through a very positive period. Striker Dino Islamovic is in fantastic form – scoring seven goals in the last two matches, essentially leading the team’s offense on his own. Most recently, he scored four goals to destroy Tromsø in the Norwegian league, proving he is currently one of the most dangerous players in Northern Europe. Even without Iver Fossum and Noah Sahsah, the squad from Trondheim has enough quality and confidence to dominate again. The motivation to maintain the winning momentum and secure the best conditions for the next stage makes us believe Rosenborg will win the second leg as well.
Tip: draw
Dila Gori faces a tough task – entering the home leg with a one-goal deficit and up against an in-form Latvian opponent, they’ll need a very compact performance. A weekend win in the Georgian Cup over Samgurali boosted their confidence but also highlighted their defensive limitations. Players like Romaric Etou must be careful – another yellow card would mean suspension for the potential third round. Riga FC is riding a wave of form. Four straight wins across competitions show not just strength but defensive stability. Riga deservedly won the first leg and will likely focus on a secure defense and fast counter-attacks in the return match. Coach Adrián Guľa has no reason to significantly change the lineup, and cohesion could be a key factor in this type of match. Dila Gori will push forward, but Riga has enough experience and quality to manage their qualification. We expect a draw, which would be enough for the Latvians to progress, while the hosts would be left with the bitterness of a narrow elimination.
Tip: both teams to score
Santa Coloma from Andorra caused one of the biggest surprises in the first legs by beating Ukrainian side Polissya 2:1 on their ground. Credit goes especially to their disciplined defense and clinical finishing. Now returning home, Santa Coloma is expected to defend their lead with well-organized play. The return of striker Hugo Ferreira from suspension adds another offensive weapon. On the other side, Polissya Zhytomyr knows they have nothing to lose. They failed in efficiency and defensive transitions in the first leg, but their squad quality shouldn’t be underestimated. Coach Ruslan Rotan is preparing changes – Sarapiy and Lucas Taylor are expected to start. The team will play more offensively, which could bring more chances but also defensive risks. Given the visitors’ need to score and Santa Coloma’s ability to punish mistakes in transitions, the most likely scenario seems to be a game where both teams find the net. We expect a more open match than the first leg.
Tip: draw
Győr will try to erase a one-goal deficit at home after losing 1:2 in Armenia. The Hungarian team traditionally plays very actively at their stadium, as confirmed by a 3:3 weekend draw with Paksi. The return of defender Rajmund Tóth to the starting lineup should stabilize the defense, which hasn’t been entirely reliable in recent matches. The team has offensive potential but struggles with inconsistency. Pyunik, on the other hand, benefits from disciplined play and has long been successful in maintaining results even in tough European fixtures. Although they are not as strong on the road, the Armenian club hasn't lost in their last two European away games. Their defense is solid, and with fast transitions, they can trouble even a home team. The match may be very balanced – Győr will push forward, but Pyunik has enough experience to control the match. We expect a draw, which would mean Pyunik’s advancement. Based on both teams’ stats, we also anticipate a match with fewer goals.
Tip: HJK to win
HJK Helsinki has an excellent starting position ahead of the home match against the Bulgarian team Arda, even though the first leg ended goalless. The Finnish team has been showing very good form in recent weeks – they defeated Gnistan 4:2 in the league and are holding third place in the Veikkausliiga. HJK also completed a huge comeback in the previous round of the Conference League, where after losing 0:4 to Runavik, they won 5:0 at home and advanced. Arda, on the other hand, is suffering from a results crisis. The team has not won in six consecutive matches across competitions and looks very toothless in attack. Although they were more active in the first leg at home, they failed to score. Historically, Arda has struggled away from home, as evidenced by last year’s elimination by Hapoel, when they conceded four goals on the road. The home environment of Bolt Arena and the current form of HJK give the Finns a clear advantage. With Benji Michel in attack and a stable lineup without injuries, HJK should manage this match and advance. We expect a narrow win for them.
Tip: Sabah Baku to win
Sabah Baku brought home a 2:0 victory from Moldova and enters the second leg in a very comfortable position. In the first match, the Azerbaijani team was clearly superior and barely allowed Petrocub any chances. The win could have been even bigger, and game control and defensive organization were key to the success. Coach Valdas Dambrauskas has no reason to make major changes – the team looks cohesive, and the key players are in good shape. Sabah traditionally dominates at home – they have won eight of their last ten home matches. The key is a strong midfield and effective transition to attack, which the Moldovans struggled to handle in the first match. Petrocub, by contrast, does not have significant results in European competitions and their defense looks uncertain. Even though the coach is planning lineup changes (Popescu, Rotaru, Pușcaș), it will likely not be enough. Considering the form, squad quality, and home environment, we expect another win for Sabah Baku, which will confirm their progression to the next stage of the Conference League.
Tip: Austria Vienna to win
Spaeri enters the second leg with a two-goal deficit and knows it will need to deliver an exceptional performance against the strong Austrian opponent. However, in the first match, the team showed its lack of European experience – it had only one shot on target and was under pressure for most of the match. Moreover, they are playing on a neutral ground (Mikheil Meshki Stadium 2), which reduces the effect of home advantage. Austria Vienna, although recently eliminated from the Austrian Cup by Voitsberg, appears much more focused in European competitions. Dominik Fitz, who delivered a very strong performance on the left wing in the first leg, will again be a key figure. The Austrian team has a stronger squad, more international experience, and the motivation to restore their reputation after an unexpected domestic setback. Given the quality gap between the two teams, their current forms, and the course of the first match, we expect Austria Vienna to win again and secure their progression without major problems. Spaeri may try to reduce the deficit, but in terms of strength and experience, it should not be enough to overcome the favorite.
Tip: AZ Alkmaar to win
AZ Alkmaar will enter the home match with a clear goal – to make up for the shocking 3:4 loss in the first leg in Finland. The AZ offense worked well in that match too, led by Troy Parrott and Mexx Meerdink, who remain key players for the home return leg. However, the defense failed – conceding four goals, and coach Martens will demand a more assertive defensive approach. AFAS Stadium is traditionally a fortress for AZ, where they manage to dictate the tempo and outplay their opponents. Ilves, however, arrives with huge confidence. Their form is excellent – they have won five of their last eight matches and are not afraid to take risks in their European debut. Roope Riski is the leader of their attack, and although the team will likely be under pressure, the Finns are very good at transitioning into counterattacks. AZ will push forward, and given the attacking style of both teams, we expect a goal-rich match. The home side should win, but given Ilves' attacking strength and game commitment, we expect the visitors to score as well. A combined bet on an AZ win and both teams to score makes the most sense.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
Kalju faces a tough task – after a 0:1 loss in Ireland, they need a win but will go into the return leg without two important players – Rommi Sihth and Mashchenko, who are suspended. The Estonian side traditionally relies on home advantage, but they have struggled to score in European competitions. St. Patrick's brings a narrow but valuable lead and is expected to play very cautiously, with an emphasis on defense. The team led by experienced Stephen Kenny is on a four-match winning streak and shows a tactical approach in Europe. Although they do not play attacking football, they are compact and experienced defensively. Considering the absences on Kalju's side, the defensive approach of the visitors, and the tight initial result, we expect a very cautious match. Both teams will be careful to avoid mistakes, and chances should be limited. The most likely scenario is a result with fewer than three goals.
Tip: AIK to win
AIK brought home a valuable 2:0 win from the first leg and will want to confirm their advantage on home soil. The Allsvenskan team showed greater quality, discipline, and experience in Estonia. Moreover, players like Besirovic, Nordfeldt, and Saletros are returning to the lineup, increasing the team's overall strength. Striker John Guidetti remains the main attacking weapon and should again be involved in key moments. Paide does not appear capable of realistically competing in this tie. In the first leg, they created very few chances and were under constant pressure defensively. Coach Vassiljev will likely deploy the same 5-3-2 formation again, but with a focus on defending rather than attacking. AIK is very strong at home, and we expect them to once again confirm their dominance. Quality, experience, and the home advantage all clearly favor the Swedish side.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
The first match between these two teams ended in a goalless draw, and everything suggests that the return leg will be similarly cautious. Milsami has the home advantage, but has long struggled to score against stronger opponents. The return of Nabil Khali to the starting lineup will bring more creativity in midfield, but we do not expect a significant offensive improvement. Buducnost struggled to transition into attack in the first leg – they had only eight shots in ninety minutes and spent most of the time defending. Nevertheless, they have a solid defense and often rely on narrow wins or draws in European matches. Since this is a balanced tie and both sides rely on a defensive approach, it is highly likely that we will not see more than two goals. The under 2.5 goals bet is justified here.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
Torpedo Kutaisi did not seriously threaten the opponent's goal in the first match in Nicosia – they had only five shot attempts. If they want to succeed in the return leg, they will have to significantly improve their offensive phase, but so far there is no indication of that. Despite efforts to boost the attack by including Jorginho and Basiladze, Torpedo remains a defensively-oriented team. Omonia will defend a narrow lead and is expected to play from a solid defensive setup. In the first leg, the Cypriots were effective but conservative – and the same is expected now. Stevan Jovetić will again be the key figure in attack, but will likely wait for counter-attacks rather than open play. Given both teams' styles and the minimal score difference from the first leg, we expect a slow-paced match with few scoring opportunities. The bet on under 2.5 goals is a logical choice in this scenario.
Tip: Dundee United to win
Scottish side Dundee United managed the first match well both in terms of play and result, although the 1:0 scoreline was not particularly emphatic. At home, they dominated, had more than twice the number of shots, and dictated the tempo. New signing Zac Sapsford marked his debut with a goal and will again be the main attacking threat. Coach Jim Goodwin is expected to field a nearly identical lineup and will rely on a stable performance. UNA Strassen had the most successful season in the club’s history, but the start of the new campaign has been far from ideal. They failed to win any of their pre-season games, and in the first competitive match, they looked rather passive. Although they have won four consecutive home matches in domestic competition, Dundee represents a completely different level of quality. The visitors have experience, a physically strong team, and greater individual quality. We expect them to win again and confirm their progression to the next stage of the Conference League.
Tip: Universitatea Cluj to win
The first match between these teams ended in a goalless draw, but Universitatea Cluj are the favorites in the home leg. The Romanian side has a strong background, a deeper squad, and the return of experienced midfielder Andrei Artean will increase midfield stability. Cluj is traditionally very strong at home and regularly plays against stronger opponents in the domestic league compared to their Armenian rival. Although Ararat-Armenia kept a clean sheet in the first match, they have long struggled in European matches away from home. Even though the team looks organized, they lack offensive power and creativity in key situations. Considering Cluj’s home strength and the difference in quality, we expect the Romanian team to assert itself and progress.
Tip: Astana to win
Zimbru managed to earn a valuable 1:1 draw in Kazakhstan, but they remain the underdogs. Although they beat strong Sheriff in their domestic league, Astana is on another level. Coach Grigori Babayan’s team has European competition experience, a strong midfield, and a well-coordinated attacking duo in Gripshi and Geoffrey. Astana had more of the play in the first leg but lacked finishing quality. Knowing they need to score, they will enter the second leg with greater intensity, and the squad’s quality should be decisive. We expect the Kazakh side to convert their dominance into victory this time.
Tip: Beitar Jerusalem to win
Beitar brought home a 2:1 win from Montenegro and will want to confirm their role as favorites in the return leg. Coach Barak Itzhaki’s team has experienced players, a well-organized defense, and is especially dangerous on set pieces. With no injury concerns, an almost identical lineup to the first match is expected. Sutjeska faces a tough challenge – to turn the match around against a strong opponent on neutral ground in Romania. The team lacks European experience, and their defense is prone to occasional mistakes. Beitar should again be more effective and maintain their lead.
Tip: Brondby to win
Brondby was caught off guard in the first match on the Faroe Islands and had to settle for a 1:1 draw. However, we expect a different picture in the home leg – the Danish team has more individual quality, a deeper squad, and the advantage of home ground. After beating Nordsjaelland 1:0, the team is in good mental shape. HB Torshavn held their own in the first match, but usually fails to succeed on the grounds of stronger opponents. Despite the possible return of striker Jakup Thomsen, Brondby’s pressure in the return leg should be too much. The home team is expected to get the win and advance.
Tip: Universitatea Craiova to win
Universitatea Craiova gained confidence with a 2:1 win over Cluj and enters the second leg against Sarajevo aiming to overturn the tie. Offensive leader Assad Al Hamlawi is in excellent form, as shown by his two goals in the last league round. Coach Mirel Rădoi’s team is very strong at home, has quality facilities, and regularly gains experience in European competitions. Although Sarajevo was successful in the first match result-wise, their performances away from home in European competitions have long been subpar. Their 0:3 loss to Spartak Trnava last time out is an example. The team is not missing any players due to injury, but looks toothless in attack. We expect Craiova to make full use of home advantage and turn the tie in their favor. Quality, form, and motivation all speak for the Romanian side.
Tip: Basaksehir to win
Basaksehir won the first leg 1:0 in Bulgaria and will now try to confirm their progression at home in Istanbul. Coach Çağdaş Atan’s team managed the first match tactically and kept the result under control despite the low scoreline. Captain Şahiner leads the midfield, and together with da Costa and Sarı, forms a stable attacking core. Cherno More recently beat Botev Plovdiv in the league and showed quick transitions into attack, but European matches on the grounds of stronger opponents are a different category. Iliev’s team lacks experience, and although the return leg may be close, we expect the Turkish side’s quality to again be decisive. Basaksehir has a strong enough squad and tactical foundation to win the second match as well and progress without major complications.
Tip: draw
After a draw with Leuven in the opening league round, Charleroi enters the second leg against Hammarby aiming to make the most of their home advantage. Striker Bernier, who scored after coming off the bench, returns to the starting lineup. The team has no new injury concerns, but their form remains unconvincing. Hammarby, on the other hand, showed improvement in the league by defeating Varnamo 3:2, and although they dominated the first match, they failed to score. Now they return to the European stage looking to surprise away from home. The team is dangerous in attack and will benefit from the return of Frank Adjei, while Collander is out due to injury. Both teams are currently evenly matched, and we expect a tense encounter that could be decided in extra time or by penalties.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
Hapoel Beer Sheva will try to erase a one-goal deficit, but the fact that the match is being played on neutral ground significantly reduces their advantage. The team has an almost complete squad available, including the return of Ganah to the lineup, but the lack of home crowd support may play a role. AEK Athens earned a narrow 1:0 win in the first match and will likely opt for a defensive strategy. Coach Marko Nikolić is known for his disciplined playing style and is expected to rely on organized defense. The match is therefore expected to be played cautiously with few chances, which favors a bet on under 2.5 goals.
Tip: draw
Icelandic side KA Akureyri surprised in the first match and earned a draw away at favored Silkeborg. Now they will try to shock the opponent at home, where they are strong due to extreme weather and pitch conditions. Silkeborg has not been convincing lately – they recently lost 0:2 to Fredericia, suggesting a potential dip in form. They also enter the second leg without Madsen and Rodin, which could affect their midfield play. Given the balanced first leg and current performances of both teams, we expect another draw, possibly leading to extra time.
Tip: Viking to win
Koper suffered a crushing 0:7 defeat in Norway and enters the second leg merely to fulfill the fixture. Rotation of the lineup and resting key players is expected, as progression is practically lost. The Slovenian team will lack the motivation and strength to reverse the tie. Viking, by contrast, delivered an exceptionally dominant performance and is confidently progressing. Even if some key players like Christiansen are rested, the Norwegian team has enough quality on the bench to control the match and secure another win. The performance gap is huge, and Viking should win even away from home.
Tip: Maccabi Haifa to win
Israeli side Maccabi Haifa will want to confirm their favorite status and progress to the next stage, playing on neutral ground in Hungary. The first match ended 1:1, although Maccabi dominated the play but failed to convert their chances. The return of Khalaili and Stewart to the starting lineup in the second leg is expected to boost attacking strength. Zhodino showed disciplined defensive play, but Maccabi's squad is on a significantly higher level. Moreover, the team can count on strong support from Israeli fans. If they repeat their first-leg performance and improve their finishing, they should win without major problems.
Tip: Maribor to win
Maribor is traditionally one of the strongest home teams and will try to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg against Paks. The team has regained form with a league win over Domžale, and although striker Mbina is doubtful due to injury, they have alternatives such as Tetteh. While Paks won at home, they often struggle in away matches in European competitions. The atmosphere at Ljudski Vrt stadium could be decisive, as the home crowd creates an exceptional environment. Maribor’s European experience should make the difference.
Tip: Neman to win
Neman earned a 3:2 win in the first match and carried their form into the domestic league, where they’ve won four matches in a row. Although the match will be played on neutral ground, the Belarusian side currently has significantly better form and confidence. Kosice showed defensive weaknesses in the first match and also lost 1:3 to Podbrezova at the weekend. Despite the return of Milan Dimun and the inclusion of forward Miljanic, it will be difficult for the Slovak team to replicate their offensive output against a well-organized Neman. We expect the Belarusian side to win again.
Tip: Prishtina to win
After a goalless draw in Northern Ireland, Prishtina has a decent position going into the second leg, which will be played in front of their home fans. The team has no new absences and will rely on the support of the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, where they are traditionally very strong. Larne will likely choose a defensive approach, but this time the task will be much harder. Keeping a clean sheet on hot Kosovan soil will not be easy. Considering the difference in attacking power and the home advantage, we expect a narrow win for Prishtina.
Tip: Puskas Academy to win
Puskas Academy plays offensively at home and will aim to overturn the 2:3 loss from Cyprus. The team boosted their confidence with a 2:1 domestic league win over the weekend and is clearly motivated to advance. Striker Lamin Colley is in good form and could be the key player in the return leg. Aris Limassol benefited from home advantage, but is not as strong away. Although Edi Semedo was decisive in the first match, the team made defensive errors overall. Puskas Academy is expected to push from the start, and we believe they will get the win at home.
Tip: Santa Clara to win
Santa Clara has something to make up for after losing 1:2 in Croatia. However, they are traditionally much stronger at home, and Estadio de Sao Miguel is known as a tough destination for opponents. The team has no new absences, and attacking players Wendell and Serginho may return to the starting eleven. Varazdin surprised in the first match, but tends to be less dangerous away from home. Santa Clara is expected to press from the start and should confirm their superior quality. The Portuguese team is expected to win, backed by their greater European experience.
Tip: Sparta Prague to win
Sparta Prague will want to bounce back from a 1:2 defeat in Kazakhstan and are favorites at home. The team recently won a league match against Mlada Boleslav and has a deep squad full of experienced players. Nigerian Victor Olatunji is ready to start and should add a new dimension to the attack. Aktobe had a great win but did not play over the weekend, which may disrupt their rhythm. Sparta has quality in all areas and is expected to dictate the tempo in front of their fans. We expect a much stronger performance and a win for the Czech champions.
Tip: Aris to win
Aris will look to improve after a weak performance in Azerbaijan, where they lost 1:2. The team had only three shots in the first match, which is below their usual standards. At home in the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, however, they are a much stronger side. Experienced striker Loren Moron, who scored in the first match, will be a key player. Araz arrives with a narrow lead, but facing an energized Aris on their home ground will be very difficult. Aris is expected to be aggressive from the start and put pressure on the opponent's defense. We believe the home team will use their environment to win and level the tie.
Tip: Jagiellonia to win
Jagiellonia earned a valuable away win in Serbia and enters the return leg in a strong position. Coach Adrian Siemieniec has a full squad available and will count on support from home fans at Chorten Arena. Novi Pazar’s defense has been leaky in pre-season and continues to struggle. Additionally, the visitors will miss suspended Ivan Davidovic, weakening their back line further. Even though experienced Ljajic returns, the Polish side should have the upper hand and secure progression with another win.
Tip: Lausanne to win
Lausanne lost 1:2 in North Macedonia but dominated the match and created many chances. At home at Stade de la Tuilière, the team plays offensively, and recent results in the Swiss league reflect this – for example, a 3:2 win over Winterthur. Despite missing some players (Abdallah, Kana-Biyik, Sanches), Lausanne has enough quality to manage the return leg. Vardar is not dangerous away from home, and despite a brave first match, we expect them to fall short this time.
Tip: Rapid Vienna to win
Rapid Vienna is in a good position after a 2:0 win in Montenegro and can now confirm their progression at home. Coach Peter Stöger rested some key players over the weekend in the Austrian Cup to have them ready for the return leg. Allianz Stadion is a tough place for visitors, and Rapid regularly wins there. Decic looked vulnerable defensively in the first match and is unlikely to succeed on hostile ground. Ibrahima Ndiaye is expected to return to the starting lineup and play a key role. Rapid should win again.
Tip: draw
The first leg ended 1:1, and the return between Valur and Kauno Zalgiris is expected to be very close. The Icelandic team benefits from home advantage domestically, but the Lithuanian side has been exceptionally consistent – unbeaten since late April. Valur may be without defender Larusson, who was injured over the weekend, which could be a defensive weakness. Both teams have similar quality, and with neither likely to take too many risks, another draw is likely – perhaps even after extra time.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
Zilina faces a tough task trying to overturn a three-goal deficit from Poland. Rakow built a comfortable lead at home and is expected to adopt a defensive approach in the second leg. The Slovak side will try to take risks but is limited, especially with Minarik suspended. Rakow is also missing three regulars (Kochergin, Lopez, Silva), which could limit their offense. Given the visitors’ cautious mindset and the defensive structure of the match, we expect a low-scoring game.
Tip: Dinamo Tirana to win
The Albanian team brought home a valuable win from the first match and now enjoys home advantage, even though the match is being played in Elbasan Arena. Dinamo Tirana will rely on solid defense and quick transitions. Forward Qardaku, who scored in the first match as a substitute, could be key again. On the other hand, Atletic Escaldes conceded in the first leg and looked shaky overall. Although the Andorrans have troubled teams like Dudelange in the past, they now face a stronger opponent. Dinamo Tirana is expected to confirm their quality.
Tip: Vaduz to win
Dungannon surprised with a 1:0 win in Liechtenstein, but Vaduz missed several clear chances in the first leg. The Northern Irish side does not play European games at their regular home ground, which neutralizes home advantage. Vaduz has a more experienced squad and got back on track with a league win over Yverdon. The visitors will press as they need to come from behind, and we expect them to succeed in the second leg. Mertens is a notable absence, but the squad is otherwise complete and motivated.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
Floriana needs to overturn a two-goal deficit but has limited attacking potential, while Ballkani’s defense is expected to be very solid. The Maltese side is aware of the danger of quick counterattacks and will try to play patiently. Kosovo’s Ballkani built their lead thanks to an excellent performance from Sunday Adetunji but will likely sit back in the return leg to protect the result. All signs point to a cautious match with few goals.
Tip: under 2.5 goals
The first leg ended goalless, and another cautious match is expected. Klaksvik will be more active at home but is still without first-choice goalkeeper Jensen. Radnicki created chances in the first match but lacked finishing quality. Since the Serbian team will play cautiously and Klaksvik relies on organized defense, another low-scoring match is likely. We predict fewer than three goals.
Tip: Linfield to win
The first leg ended 0:0, giving Linfield the home advantage in the return leg. Despite poor recent European form, David Healy’s side has a chance to write a new chapter and advance. Zalgiris has very poor away stats – only two wins from their last 12 European away matches, both against weaker opponents. Linfield can benefit from the Windsor Park atmosphere and should be more efficient in attack. We expect a narrow home win.
Tip: Vikingur Reykjavik to win
Icelandic side Vikingur lost 2:1 in the first match, but they are extremely strong at home. Coach Ottesen has a full squad available and can focus fully on turning things around in the second leg. Vllaznia will play defensively, but under pressure from the home crowd, they may make mistakes. Both teams have players close to card suspensions, which could lead to cautious play, but Vikingur is technically and physically stronger at home. We believe the hosts will level the tie and win.
Tip: Egnatia to win
Egnatia pulled off a surprise 2:0 win over Dinamo Minsk in the first leg on neutral ground and enters the return match full of confidence. Coach Tetova has almost the full squad available and no reason to change the starting eleven. Dinamo Minsk will have to open up, which doesn’t suit them – they created very few chances in the first leg. The home side plays organized and thrives on quick counters. Considering form and mental state, we expect another win for the Albanian team.
Tip: Hajduk Split to win
A 1:1 draw in Azerbaijan gives Hajduk a solid position for the return leg at home. The Croatian side is much stronger at Poljud Stadium, and their European experience is a major asset. Zira is missing key midfielder Konate due to injury, which could hurt their defensive organization. Hajduk will rely on striker Livaja, a true difference-maker. We expect the home side to apply attacking pressure and win.
Tip: Partizan to win
Partizan brought home a valuable 2:0 win from the away leg and now aims to confirm their progress at home. Coach Blagojević’s team has no new injuries and also had the weekend off, which will help them stay fresh. Oleksandriya failed in the first leg and faces a tough task on hostile Serbian soil, even if they rotate the lineup. Partizan already beat AEK Larnaca at home in the previous round and is expected to repeat a strong performance. We expect a home win.
Tip: Shamrock Rovers to win
After a clear 4:0 win in the first match, Shamrock Rovers can approach the return leg calmly but are still expected to confirm their dominance at home. The Irish champions have an experienced squad and enough depth to rotate without weakening the team. St Joseph’s from Gibraltar failed in all aspects in the first match and also lost defender Jolley. Shamrock is expected to control the tempo and secure another win. The quality gap between the teams is significant.