Slovan Bratislava vs Dundalk Predictions

Dundalk are bidding to keep their European run going, but they are massive outsiders ahead of this Europa League clash on Wednesday night. The Irish champions were soundly beaten by Qarabag in the last round of Champions League qualifiers, but they have another chance to progress in Europe when they make the trip to Slovakia this week. Can the visitors keep their group stage dreams alive, or will we see Slovan Bratislava take a commanding lead ahead of the second leg at Oriel Park next week?

The hosts come into this clash on a fine run, having claimed five victories on the bounce going into this clash. They were also in Champions League action, going out to Sutjeska on penalties after drawing 2-2 on aggregate. That narrow loss has sent the Slovakian champions down a level, but they’ve quickly hit their stride with two wins from two in the Europa League. With some decent form behind them, its no major surprise that the bookies are backing a home for them against an inconsistent Dundalk outfit.

The visitors continue to dominate their own league, but they’ve had an issue translating that to European football. Their loss to Qarabag was comprehensive, adding another defeat to Dundalk’s poor away record in Europe. Overall the visitors have lost 15 of 26 matches in this competition, while they’ve won just once in their last 12 away trips in European football. The only positive for Dundalk is that their scoring record in this competition is better, coming in close to one per game.

Dundalk will know that an away goal is crucial in this tie, while their European record could give them some hope. They have scored in six of their last seven trips in the Europa League. They’ve scored the majority of their Europa League goals on the road, hitting 11 across their last nine matches on their travels. That will be something which Bratislava need to watch out for, but are the hosts equipped to stop them?

Slovan do have a solid record in this competition, winning six of their eight games from 2018 onwards. They’ve managed to win five of their last six at home, but they’ve conceded in their last three here. Overall the hosts have conceded 119 times in 75 games at this level, while their last four home European ties have seen both teams score. Dundalk’s record in this competition suggests getting an away goal might be all they are capable of, so we’re backing the favourites to claim a win but concede in this first leg.