A chance to end the losing streak: Torreense vs Ararat-Armenia prediction
On November 5, Portuguese side Torreense will host Ararat-Armenia in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase. Both teams come into the clash after painful defeats and desperately need points. The hosts sit 28th with three points, while the visitors are bottom of the table after losing all three of their matches in the competition.
Torreense: historic debut and defensive problems
João Nuno’s side are competing in the Europa League for the first time after their sensational 2-1 victory over Sporting in the Portuguese Cup final. Their European campaign began in promising fashion, with Torreense beating Lillestrøm 2-1, but they have since lost to Sunderland (1-2) and Ferencváros (1-4). After three rounds, the Portuguese side are outside the play-off zone only on goal difference. Their main weakness has been the defence, which has conceded seven goals in three matches.
The situation is also far from ideal in Portugal’s second division. After nine rounds, the team sit 12th, with just two wins to their name and a two-point cushion over the relegation zone. Ahead of the European tie, the hosts have kept clean sheets in two consecutive matches. Adama Baradji will miss out through injury, but Manuel Pozo, who scored against Ferencváros, is expected to feature in attack alongside Dani Jean and Malik Abubakari.
Ararat-Armenia: bottom place and 11 goals conceded
This season has also been historic for Manuel Tulipa’s side, with Ararat-Armenia becoming the first Armenian club to reach the Europa League league phase. However, their debut has been an extremely difficult one. The visitors have lost to Sparta Prague (1-4), Jagiellonia (1-3) and AZ (0-4). With no points and 11 goals conceded, the Armenian club sit bottom of the overall table. Their defence remains the most vulnerable in the competition.
At the same time, the team have looked much more convincing in the domestic league. After winning the title last year, Ararat-Armenia currently sit second, just two points behind leaders Noah. The club are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches in the national championship. Zidan Banjaki and Kamo Hovhannisyan have returned from injury, but Paul Ayongo was not included in the European squad. Their main attacking hope is Araik Eloyan, who has scored five league goals.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Torreense have lost their last two Europa League matches, conceding six goals
- Ararat-Armenia have suffered three defeats with an aggregate goal difference of 2:11
- The Armenian club have never previously faced a Portuguese team in an official match
Who will claim the vital points: Torreense vs Ararat-Armenia prediction
Both teams have defensive issues, but Torreense look the stronger side thanks to home advantage and their previous experience of winning in the league phase. The Portuguese side should be able to exploit their opponents’ defensive frailties and create enough chances.
Ararat-Armenia have produced respectable results in the domestic league, but they have yet to carry that form onto the European stage. The visitors are capable of scoring, but their defensive mistakes could once again prove decisive.
