NK Maribor vs Botev Plovdiv Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 16/07/2024, 14:15  by Sridhar Bhamidi | Modified on 17/07/2024 at 02:08 in Europa League Predictions

Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv will look to build on their one-goal lead from the first leg over Slovenia’s Maribor as the sides clash in the Europa League first qualifying round. The prediction for this second-leg match is an entertaining fixture with goals to be the order of the day.

This match will be played at the Ljudski Vrt Stadium in Maribor, Slovenia, on Thursday. Greek side Panathinaikos will be waiting in the second qualifying round for the winner of this tie. The loser will be transferred to the Europa Conference League Main Path second qualifying round. Maribor conceded an early ninth-minute goal in the first leg but bounced back through a Pijus Sirvys strike in the 19th minute. They held on until late, but a goal in the 74th minute saw them lose 2-1 in the end. With only a goal in this tie, it’s anybody’s game, and the hosts will hope they can overturn their current aggregate deficit.

The competitive season hasn’t yet started for the Slovenian hosts, who played three friendlies in the pre-season, winning two. Both those wins, like the first leg, came by a 2-1 scoreline, and another game full of goals can’t be ruled out. Botev Plovdiv could play their part in that aspect, as they have scored in each of their four matches this season. Like their opponents, that includes three friendlies, two of which the visitors won without conceding.

Repeating that feat could be tough, considering how the home side has managed to find the back of the net. Of interest will be Botev’s away form to end last season, where they lost three of the last four road trips.