Prediction: Olimpija Ljubljana vs Valmiera

Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to pick up a first-leg advantage when they open their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday night, Olimpija Ljubljana will welcome Valmiera to the Stozice Stadium.

Olimpija Ljubljana

Starting with the hosts, breezing their way to yet another Slovenian crown last season, Olimpija Ljubljana should be excited to turn their attention to Champions League duties in midweek. Enjoying what has been an eye-catching summer romp while in pre-season action, Joao Henriques’ men have won five of their six friendly showdowns and they have certainly found a real clinical edge in the final third. Signing off their qualifying preparations with a routine 4-1 romp away at Slovenian rivals Rudar last week, the former Santa Cruz boss has seen his high-flying squad notch nine goals in just their previous three appearances. Likewise, continuing to gain a reputation for their success on home soil, it should be noted that Ljubljana have won eight of their last nine matchups at the Stozice Stadium – a run that stems all the way back to March 12th.

Team News

Notching a brace away at Rudar last week, 32-year-old Mustafa Nukic should be handed the chance to spearhead Ljubljana’s attack on Tuesday night. Really impressing last season and playing a crucial part of Henriques’ plans, youngster Svit Seslar should join Nukic in the final third.

One-time Sporting Lisbon academy graduate David de Senna could be handed a return at left-back. Slovenian international Matevz Vidovsek will start between the sticks in midweek.

Valmiera

As for the visitors, while Valmiera might have claimed a crucial boost last week as they breezed their way to a stellar 6-0 romp at home against Tukums, the Latvian giants have largely struggled with their consistent on either side of June’s international break. Already accepting that it will take a miracle in their bid to defend their domestic crown, Jurgis Kains’ side have managed to muster just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to May 27th. Tipped as a landslide underdog when they open their Champions League qualifying adventure in midweek, Valmiera have continued on a nightmare spell on the road. Including a 3-0 drumming at the hands of RFS last month, Tuesday’s guests have mustered just a sole win away from the Janis Dalins from their previous six attempts.

Team News

Finding the net against Tukums last week in that stunning 6-0 victory and notching his first strike since the end of May, former Palmeiras youngster Ruan Rodrigues should lead Valmiera’s charge on Tuesday night.

Both handed a second-half break while on domestic duties last week, the duo of Alvis Jaunzems and Daniels Balodis will feature in defence here. Making a full return between the sticks last time out, 22-year-old Carlos Olses will be hoping to keep his spot in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• Enjoying what has been a pre-season romp, Olimpija Ljubljana have won five of their six friendly showdowns.
• The reigning Slovenian champions have also won their previous three friendly matchups by an aggregate score of 9-3.
• Henriques’ men have won eight of their last nine appearances at the Stozice Stadium – a run that stems back to March 12th.
• Valmiera have won just two of their last seven domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s guests have also recorded just a single win from any of their previous seven showdowns away from the Janis Dalins.

Conclusion

Picking up some perfect momentum during their pre-season romp, Olimpija Ljubljana will be excited to get their Champions League qualifying adventure underway on Tuesday night. Winning five of their six friendly appearances this summer and really finding a clinical edge in the final third, the midweek hosts have also gained a reputation for their extended success at the Stozice Stadium. Suffering just a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of March, the Slovenian champions will be confident of picking up a first-leg advantage here. Getting their qualifying campaign underway against a Valmiera squad that have shown some continued inconsistencies this season, we are expecting what could be an enjoyable home victory here.

Verdict: Olimpija Ljubljana win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet