Partizani Tirana vs Krasnodar Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Krasnodar are fast becoming a strong force in Russian football, being as they were only founded back in 2008. Just two years ago they were debutantes in the Europa League, making their way through to the group stages pooled alongside Wolfsburg, Everton, and Lille. Though the side couldn’t quite hack it in such a high quality group that time around, they were back at it again last year. Krasnodar made club history with their biggest achievement to date in Europe, topping their group with four wins, one draw, and one defeat. A feat made even more impressive considering their group contained German giants Borussia Dortmund, who they beat 1-0 at home. Krasnodar progressed to the round of 32, where they were knocked out to Czech side Sparta Prague, but this taste of success has only fueled the visitors to strive for more of the same this season.

Partizani Tirana, who finished 2nd in the Albanian Superliga, don’t have a comparable record in European competition. Finishing in 2nd place did qualify them for the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round for the first time, but after narrowly making it through to the third round on penalties, the Albanian side were easily seen off with a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg. Partizani need a miracle, after a humiliating first leg sees them trailing 4-0 behind on aggregate coming into this.

In-form Russian side Krasnodar remain favourites for this match-up, with the bookies pricing them at around 4/6 to win. Though this price is reasonable enough to consider wagering on, we feel there is slightly better value in other markets. Krasnodar’s squad costs about ten times as much as the visitors and that certainly showed in the first leg – the Russians registered sixteen chances on goal, compared with the Albanians seven. Looking over recent trends, we find that Krasnodar aren’t having any problems scoring goals in both domestic and European competition, averaging three goals per game over their last seven matches. Partizani Tirani, in contrast, have struggled in front of goal, managing under half a goal per game over their last five and failing to score in any of their last three. Some would say that they are due a goal here!

Considering Partizani Tirana have nothing to lose, we expect end to end football here as the Albanians aim for all out attack and the Russians take advantage of this on the counter. Hence, over 2.5 goals at 4/5 and Krasnodar to win 3-1 at 12/1 are our choice bets for this match.