Will the hosts bet on attack again? Prediction for Borac Banja Luka vs ML Vitebsk
ML Vitebsk
The third qualifying round clash of the Conference League between Borac Banja Luka and ML Vitebsk is set for August 6 at the City Stadium in Banja Luka. The champions of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be looking to establish an advantage ahead of the return leg, while the European debutants from Belarus hope to continue their impressive run after a confident victory over Sutjeska.
Borac Banja Luka: home victories mask defensive issues
Borac started their European campaign unconvincingly, bowing out of the Champions League qualifiers after drawing 1-1 at home and suffering a 0-4 defeat away to Levski. In the Conference League, Vinko Marinović's side thrashed Petrocub 3-0 on home turf, but nearly squandered their lead in the return leg, finishing a high-scoring match 3-3.
The hosts' squad remains largely unchanged, with new signing Ante Roguljić standing out - he's scored twice in 73 minutes across four appearances. The main concern, however, is still the defense: including a friendly against Akhmat, the Bosnian club has conceded 11 goals in their last five matches, and the participation of injured Abel Pascual remains questionable.
ML Vitebsk: summer signings boost the squad mid-qualifiers
ML Vitebsk cruised past Sutjeska, defeating the Montenegrin champions 3-0 and 2-1. Still, the level of their previous opponents is hardly a serious litmus test - Sutjeska had lost nine consecutive matches, including games from last season and their summer friendlies.
The Belarusian club continues its rebuilding process even during their European campaign, with several July additions gradually cementing their places in the lineup. Of particular note is Bassekou Diabaté, who has netted ten goals in 22 matches and found the target after coming off the bench in both of his last Conference League outings.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Borac have won just one of their four European matches this season.
- At least three goals have been scored in Borac's last three games and in nine of ML Vitebsk's previous ten matches.
- Both teams have scored in three of Borac's last four home European fixtures and in five of the Belarusian side's last six away matches.
Will the hosts' experience prove decisive? Prediction for Borac Banja Luka vs ML Vitebsk
Borac have shown inconsistency so far, but it was their home leg that allowed them to get past Petrocub. The Bosnian side boasts a more cohesive squad and already has experience playing in the main stage of the Conference League, so they should look to take the initiative and create more chances against the tournament newcomers.
ML Vitebsk have made notable improvements over the summer and possess enough attacking firepower to exploit the hosts' shaky defense. However, with the level of opposition now rising significantly, a single good spell may not be enough for the visitors to secure a positive result in Banja Luka.
