Back
Steffen Schmidt - July 12, 2023
Alashkert vs Arsenal Tivat
UEFA Conference League Qualification
Date: 13 July 2023, Thursday
Kick-off at 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
Venue: Urartu Stadium (Yerevan).
Arsenal Tivat secured their historical maiden promotion to the top flight of Montenegrin football in the 2021/2 season.
They went on to shock the local football enthusiasts and finish the elite-class season in third place, hence earning the right to represent their country in a continental competition for the first time in team’s history.
Arsenal will make their European debut on Thursday afternoon when they visit Armenian capital to take on Alashkert in the first leg of the Conference League first qualifying round.
Alashkert are obviously big favorites both on the day and over two legs, especially if we know about their broad experience in continental competitions.
The hosts played the group phase of the Conference League two years ago after losing the Europa League playoffs to Scottish heavyweights Rangers 0-1 (in the season in which Rangers went on to play the final of the competition).
Nevertheless, Alashkert have lost their key players since then. The club is currently miles away from the quality they had two or three years ago.
Last season, Alashkert were eliminated at the start of their Conference League journey by the likes of Hamrun Spartans from Malta.
Nevertheless, the hosts still have several high-profile foreigners who should have what it takes to carry the team above the first obstacle in Europe this time around.
We primarily mean on the likes of Brazilian forward Agdon, Ecuadorian midfielder Yeisson Racines, and Brazilian midfielder Thiago Galvao.
Alashkert possess more quality in their ranks and we expect them to gain advantage in the first leg in front of the home fans. Arsenal lack European experience and we would not be surprised to see their young players struggling on Thursday.
The main bet is Alashkert to have the lead at the half time and win the match at the end at the 2.30 odds while you can alternatively back the hosts to win to nil at the 2.20 odds.
