With a place in the second round of Champions League qualifying on the line, Petrocub Hincesti and Ordabasy will face off in the second leg of their first-round tie in Moldova on Wednesday.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, both teams are eager to make their mark.
Match Preview
Petrocub Hincesti's Journey
Petrocub Hincesti is making its first-ever attempt to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite previous setbacks in reaching the Europa League and Europa Conference League, they have demonstrated resilience and growth.
Last season, they clinched their first Moldovan top-flight title and won the Moldovan Cup, establishing themselves as a formidable force.
The team maintained a solid defence in the first leg, managing a clean sheet against Ordabasy in Kazakhstan.
Ordabasy's Form
Ordabasy is also new to the Champions League qualifying rounds. The team recently secured their first Kazakhstan Premier League title, finishing ahead of Astana.
Despite a strong start to their current league campaign, including four consecutive wins, they couldn't capitalise on their home advantage in the first leg against Petrocub.
However, their current form suggests they will be a tough opponent in the second leg.
Team News
Petrocub Hincesti
Petrocub is expected to field a similar lineup to the one used in the first leg. Key players include Ion Bors, Victor Mudrac, and Sergiu Platica in defence.
Mihail Platica, who was last season's top scorer with 15 goals, might start this match, providing a significant boost to their attacking options.
Vladimir Ambros, another vital player with 12 goals last season, will likely lead the attack alongside Mihai Lupan.
Ordabasy
Ordabasy will probably stick to their 3-4-3 formation. Ihor Plastun, Serhiy Malyi, and Temirlan Erlanov will form the defensive backbone.
In attack, Dembo Darboe, who has been in good form since joining on loan, might start.
Jasurbek Yakhshiboev, their top scorer this season with five goals, will be crucial on the right wing, with Yevgen Makarenko and Askhat Tagybergen anchoring the midfield.
Prediction
Given the tight nature of the first leg, another closely contested match is expected. Petrocub Hincesti's confidence from their solid defensive performance and home advantage might give them the edge.
We predict a narrow 1-0 victory for Petrocub Hincesti, allowing them to progress to the second round of Champions League qualifying.
