In this midweek bulletin, we have analyzed and shared our predictions for four matches from the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League qualifying rounds.
Viking FK vs GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Match Analysis
Despite falling 2–0 behind in last week’s first leg, the Norwegian side refused to give up and fought back to secure a 2–2 draw, giving themselves an incredible advantage heading into the return leg. Dreaming of making their first-ever appearance in the Champions League, the Norwegian side could use that motivation, along with the effect of the artificial pitch, to eliminate a Croatian side that have never won away in Norway and achieve a historic success.
Prediction
Home Team to Qualify
FC Copenhagen vs FC Inter Turku
Match Analysis
After comfortably defeating Debreceni VSC in both legs of the previous round and demonstrating how seriously they are taking the Conference League, Copenhagen produced a major surprise by drawing away to Inter Turku in the first leg of the final qualifying round. Inter Turku are one of the weaker sides, but they are known for defending well when highly motivated. However, it will be extremely difficult for them to resist a determined Copenhagen side with years of European experience in the return leg in Denmark.
Prediction
Home Win
Ferencvárosi TC vs Trabzonspor
Match Analysis
After securing a 1–0 away victory against Trabzonspor, whose new signings are still in the process of adapting and finding their rhythm, Ferencváros have gained a significant advantage in their bid to advance. In the second leg, they are likely to start with a very defensive approach and look for opportunities on the counterattack.
Trabzonspor, who have attracted considerable attention with important and high-profile signings led by Mohamed Salah, will fight until the final whistle to reach the Europa League with the squad they have built through these expensive additions. It is also worth remembering that Trabzonspor experienced some unlucky moments in the first leg. However, if Ferencváros remain motivated and defend effectively, breaking through that defensive structure could become extremely difficult.
As we have often seen, deep defensive setups that effectively put a bus in front of the goal can generally only be broken through with exceptional individual moments. In this match, it therefore appears quite logical to back Mohamed Salah to be the player who breaks the deadlock if Ferencváros sit deep, especially considering his two-goal performance in the last league match and the determined way he played.
Prediction
Mohamed Salah to Score
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tromsø IL
Match Analysis
After securing a surprise draw away in Norway in the first leg, partly due to the effect of the artificial pitch, Brighton return home as the clear favorites. They completely dominated the match against Tromsø IL in the first leg but could not find the goal they needed. The return leg should be different.
Brighton made a flying start to the Premier League season with a convincing 4–0 victory over Aston Villa. With that confidence and momentum behind them, they should find the net against a Tromsø IL side that are significantly inferior in terms of squad quality and provide their supporters with an entertaining performance.
Prediction
Home Team Over 2.5 Goals