The Europa League qualifying match between Tobol and MFK Ruzomberok promises to be an intense clash, with both teams aiming to secure their spot in the next round.
This article delves into the prediction, team form, news, and other essential details for this crucial encounter.
Match Preview
Tobol will host MFK Ruzomberok at the Ortaliq Stadion, seeking to overcome a significant deficit following their 5-2 defeat in the first leg in Slovakia.
The hosts need a stellar performance to overturn the three-goal disadvantage and advance in the competition.
Team Form
Tobol's Form
Tobol enters this match with a mixed form. They have demonstrated strong performances at home, winning crucial matches in their previous qualification campaigns.
However, their recent 5-2 loss in the first leg poses a considerable challenge.
Tobol’s home form this season has been impressive, losing only one out of nine matches across all competitions.
Ruzomberok's Form
Ruzomberok, on the other hand, showcased an excellent display in the first leg, marking their first win in this competition since their remarkable 2017-18 qualification run.
Despite not having played a competitive match in nearly two months before their first-leg triumph, they exhibited no signs of rustiness.
Ruzomberok's historical performance in European competitions shows a tendency to maintain their advantage after winning the home leg.
Team News
Tobol
Tobol is likely to revert to their standard four-defender system after experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation in the first leg.
Key player Igor Ivanovic, who scored and assisted in the first leg, is expected to retain his place.
Ivanovic has been a standout performer, with four goals in the league this season.
Probable Lineup: Pokatilov; Gabaraev, Ndiaye, Miladinovic, Asrankulov; Shakhov, Essien; Ivanovic, El Messaoudi, Chesnokov; Henen
Ruzomberok
Ruzomberok might stick with the same lineup that secured their first-leg victory.
Striker Jan Hladik, who provided two assists in the last match, will likely lead the attack once again.
Probable Lineup: Fruhwald; Selecky, Maly, Gabriel, Kostl; Lavrincik, Mudry; Luteran, Chrien, Tucny; Hladik
Prediction
Tobol will be on the offensive from the start, aiming to claw back their three-goal deficit.
The match is expected to be action-packed, similar to the first leg, with both teams likely to find the net.
However, Ruzomberok’s substantial lead from the first leg puts them in a favorable position to advance.
Our Prediction: Tobol 2-2 MFK Ruzomberok (MFK Ruzomberok wins 7-4 on aggregate)
Tobol-2 FK 
Ružomberok 
