FK Qarabag vs FK Kukesi Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Qarabag were held off in their visit to Albania last week, drawing 0-0 in their first leg clash of this qualifier. They are aiming to return to the group stages of the Champions League after a strong run in the competition last year, but can the champions of Azerbaijan repeat that strong form when they host Kukesi on Wednesday night? They are heavy favourites ahead of the home leg of this tie, especially with the visitors struggling in the step up to this level.

The hosts have become a European force after domestic success, and they reached the pinnacle of their European history when they reached last season’s group stage. They landed a tough draw, but left with two points. That was a strong run for a first timer, and Qarabag are now out to build on that success with another run to the last 32 of Europe’s top competition. It’s going to be tougher this time around, as this side of the draw is stacked with strong sides, with only four of those qualifying after the four qualifying rounds are done.

It’s going to be an uphill battle for Kukesi, but they are lucky to be at this stage at all. They finished second in Albania last term, only making this competition after champions Skenderbeu were banned from European competition. That put the runners-up in to the champions’ route to the group stage, but so far Kukesi are yet to win a game. Draws home and away to Valletta in the last round took them through on away goals. After a 0-0 draw last time out, can they repeat the trick here?

Qarabag aren’t the kind of side who are going to ship an away goal. They’ve made it far in qualifying after strong defensive displays, which they’ve showed in the Europa League and in this competition over the last 12 months. They come in to this clash on the back of three clean sheets in their three Champions League qualifiers this summer. They conceded in just two of their qualifiers last summer, keeping three straight clean sheets at home last summer. Having kept five straight shut-outs at home in Champions League qualifying, we expect a strong display from the hosts.

We’re backing Qarabag to edge out a narrow win, given their habit of low scoring matches. We’re backing them to win 1-0 on Wednesday night, while we feel backing the heavy favourites for a win to nil seems like the best value on this clash.