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NK Aluminij will host Sheriff Tiraspol at the Sportni Park Aluminij on Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League clash.
The hosts are looking to make it to the continental stage, while the visitors from Tiraspol are desperate to leverage their extensive European pedigree to advance.
Following a tense goalless draw in the first leg in Moldova, both teams will hope they can get a victory and move to the next round.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Aluminij vs. Sheriff key stats
- NK Aluminij have not won a home game in their last five matches across all competitions.
- FC Sheriff have kept a clean sheet in each of their last eight competitive matches across all competitions.
- NK Aluminij have conceded at least one goal in five of their last six games in all competitions.
Aluminij vs. Sheriff preview: European dreams on the line
Aluminij vs. Sheriff — Tale of the Tape
| Aluminij | vs | Sheriff |
|---|---|---|
| 7th | Position | 2nd |
| 36 | Points | 7 |
| 42 | Goals For | 7 |
| 61 | Goals Against | 2 |
| 6 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 8th/7th | Home / Away Rank | 2nd/4th |
Aluminij's rise has been remarkable, having played in the second tier just two seasons ago.
They booked a historic first European campaign by lifting the Slovenian Cup, defeating NK Brinje Grosuplje 1-0 in the final to claim the club's first major trophy.
However, ahead of their preparation for the new season, they have struggled to win games, having remained without a victory in their last four friendly games.
Despite their poor form, they produced a disciplined display to earn a 0-0 draw away from home in the opening leg.
Sheriff, meanwhile, qualified after finishing runners-up in the 2025-26 Moldovan Super Liga.
The Yellow-Blacks have also made a strong start to the new domestic campaign, sitting level on points with leaders Petrocub.
The visitors have not lost in their first three games of the season, with two wins and one draw.
They head into the second leg tie against Aluminij, having secured a 4-2 victory over Zimbru Chisinau last weekend.
Victor Mihailov's side will back their superior European experience to make the difference in the return leg, but Aluminij have already shown they are capable of frustrating the Moldovan outfit.
The winners will progress to the second qualifying round of the Europa League, while the losers will continue their continental journey in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.
Aluminij vs. Sheriff form guide & betting tips
| Aluminij | vs | Sheriff |
|---|---|---|
DDLLD |
Form | WWDDW |
| 4 | Goals For | 9 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 2 |
D |
Europa League qualification | D |
Whispers predicts: Aluminij 0-1 Sheriff
NK Aluminij have struggled significantly in front of goal, failing to win in their last five competitive matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Sheriff have had a better run of games, keeping seven clean sheets across all competitions.
Given the visitors' continental experience, we predict a narrow 1-0 victory for FC Sheriff is a highly probable outcome.
The bookmakers have chosen the home side as the underdogs at 14/5 (3.80) odds, reflecting their recent poor form.
A draw is currently valued at 23/10 (3.30), while an away victory for Sheriff is priced at 1/12 (2.00).
The odds for under 2.5 goals are set at 4/6 (1.67), which is highly probable given their goalless first leg.
With no goals scored in the first leg, both teams to score (no) is valued at 5/6 (1.83), while a first half draw is priced at 11/10 (2.10).
> Away to win at 1/12 (2.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score – No at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Possible
> First half draw at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Probable