The Europa League second qualifying round moves into the second leg of the two-legged series this week.
The teams that win the ties will move onto the Europa League third qualifying round. Teams will be four matches away from making the Europa League group stage and a chance to compete for the trophy in the tournament proper.
ZCode System has outlined four matches for Thursday night that have a lot at stake. So, be sure to follow these matches and win.
Europa League – Thursday, August 1
Aberdeen vs. Chikhura Sachkhere
Scotland’s Aberdeen escaped the first leg with a 1-1 draw thanks to a second-half penalty goal from Sam Cosgrove. The striker has scored in three straight Europa League matches and is good value to get another on Thursday night.
On paper, Aberdeen should win the second leg and move on to the third qualifying round. Yet, they didn’t play like the favourite in the first match. The Dons can be forgiven especially if they beat Chikhura Sachkhere in the second leg at home.
Chikhura Sachkhere are minnows in European football and it would be quite a shock to knockout Aberdeen. The Dons should edge Chikhura Sachkhere and will benefit from the away goal they scored in the first leg.
Winner: Aberdeen
Apollon Limassol vs. Shamrock Rovers
Cyprus’ Apollon Limassol host Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers needing to score at least one goal to go to the third round. Shamrock Rovers lead the tie 2-1, but Apollon Limassol scored an important away goal.
If Apollon Limassol can score a goal at home and hold Shamrock Rovers scoreless, they will go through to the next round. Shamrock Rovers need another big performance to go through.
Apollon Limassol have experience in the Europa League, but Shamrock Rovers could spring a surprise on the Cypriots. If Shamrock Rovers can get an away goal, they would take a bigger advantage over Apollon Limassol. Still, the Cypriots are playing at home and should get the goal they need to win the game and tie.
Winner: Apollon Limassol
Partizan Belgrade vs. Connah’s Quay Nomads
Connah’s Quay Nomads held Partizan Belgrade to just one goal in the first leg. The part-time Welsh club lost just 1-0 to the mighty Serbians. Can they score goals and prevent Partizan Belgrade in the second leg? It isn’t likely.
Partizan Belgrade should perform better than in the first leg. The Serbians haven’t been great in front of goal this term, so a 3-0 win my be too high scoring. I expect a game with under 2.5 goals and Partizan Belgrade to win to nil.
Winner: Partizan Belgrade
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Flora Tallinn
Eintracht Frankfurt set the Europa League on fire last season making it all the way to the semifinals. The Eagles lost the semifinal to eventual champions Chelsea on penalties.
Now, after a summer of selling expensive stars and signing new players, Eintracht Frankfurt are back.
The first leg ended in a 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt win giving them a two away-goal advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt should be unbeatable at home against Flora Tallinn. The Estonia club won’t be able to hang with Eintracht Frankfurt for a second straight match.
The Eagles are not the team they were last season, but they are still strong.
Winner: Eintracht Frankfurt
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.