Drita vs Žalgiris Kaunas: who will advance to the next round of the Champions League qualifiers?
FK Kauno Zalgiris
On Tuesday, July 14, Drita will host Žalgiris Kaunas in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 CET, and here's my betting pick for the match.
Drita vs Žalgiris Kaunas: Match preview
The first leg of this tie took place last week in Lithuania, where the home side were considered favourites but failed to make their advantage count. They conceded an equaliser in the 82nd minute, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Drita were crowned champions of the Kosovo Superleague last season, successfully defending their title for the second consecutive year. They collected 66 points from 36 matches. The domestic campaign has not yet begun for them, and before entering the Champions League qualifiers they played three friendly matches, losing all of them. Their full focus is now on UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Žalgiris Kaunas, meanwhile, are already well into their domestic campaign. Following the first leg of this qualifying tie, they returned to league action and recorded a convincing 3-0 victory. They currently sit top of the league table with 31 points from 19 matches, holding a one-point advantage over the second-placed side.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first meeting between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Drita are winless in their last seven matches.
- Žalgiris Kaunas are unbeaten in their last five matches.
- Before this tie, these two teams had never faced each other.
Probable line-ups
- Drita: Maloku – Ovuka, Pelumbi, Bytyqi, Besnik Krasniqi – Sheyi, Limaj, Dabiqaj – Abazaj – Jashari, Blerim Krasniqi
- Žalgiris Kaunas: Švedkauskas – Konatar, Lekiatas, Tolordava, Mutashi – Karashima – Urega, Baldassarra, Bensheb, Leonardo – Renan
Prediction
I expect a very closely contested and intriguing encounter between these two sides. I also don't see it turning into a high-scoring game, so my recommended bet is under 3 total goals.
