Botev Plovdiv take a one-goal lead heading to Maribor this Thursday having won 2-1 in the reverse fixture. They do hold a very slight lead in this clash but playing away from home could be what makes the difference in this tie.
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Maribor vs Botev Plovdiv prediction: Home side with it all to do
Key stats
- Maribor have conceded five goals in their last two home games
- There were six bookings in the reverse fixture
- Both sides registered 12 shots in the first leg
Correct score prediction: Maribor 2-1 Botev Plovdiv
Neither team can afford to sit back and wait for the other to make a mistake given there's just one goal in it and Maribor's fans won't allow them to not play on the front foot. A repeat scoreline will see this clash go to extra-time, which feels fitting given there's so little between the two sides.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Maribor expected to have too much on the night
- Home: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
- Draw: 14/5 (3.8) – 26.3%
- Away: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
With the home advantage, it's no surprise that Maribor are favoured so heavily in this clash. There was little to separate them in the first leg registering an equal number of shots and shots on target, but Botev Plovdiv may be more nervous given they hold a slender lead.
We see the hosts coming out on top and utilising their experience in tough encounters, but you may find further inspiration on our free betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Little history to go off
When these two sides met on July 11th, it was the first-ever meeting. So, there's no history to go off and thus, neither side has a psychological advantage or is forced to carry any excess baggage from past defeats. Maribor will be keen to win on home soil and defeat Botev Plovdiv following last week's loss.
Maribor preview: A convincing win is expected
Maribor finished second in their domestic league last season which has seen them at this stage of qualifying in the Europa League. They will be keen as ever to progress and avoid an upset, something they'll be confident of given this deciding leg is at home.
Predicted lineup: Jug (GK), Milec, Karic, Vidmar, Sirvys, J. Repas, Z. Repas, Barisic, Ilicic, Soudani, Jakupovic
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 29/08/24
L
Djurgarden
1
NK Maribor
0
Slovenia Prva Liga 25/08/24
D
Olimpija Ljubljana
1
NK Maribor
1
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
Djurgarden
1
NK Maribor
0
Slovenia Prva Liga 18/08/24
D
NK Radomlje
1
NK Maribor
1
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 15/08/24
W
Vojvodina
1
NK Maribor
0
Botev Plovdiv preview: Must take confidence from last week
Botev have only played in Europe once over the last six seasons and even then, they failed to progress into the group stages of the Europa Conference League. So, holding a one-goal lead heading into the second leg will be a dream situation, although potentially a difficult one to keep hold of.
Predicted lineup: Igonen (GK), Minkov, Tamm, Conte, Balogiannis, Eto'o, Perera, Nwachukwu, Popov, Akere, Ujah
Bulgaria First League 30/08/24
W
CSKA Sofia
0
Botev Plovdiv
1
Bulgaria First League 24/08/24
L
Spartak Varna
1
Botev Plovdiv
0
Bulgaria First League 18/08/24
W
FC Hebar Pazardzhik
0
Botev Plovdiv
1
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 15/08/24
L
Zrinjski Mostar
2
Botev Plovdiv
0
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 08/08/24
W
Zrinjski Mostar
1
Botev Plovdiv
2
Player to watch: Arnel Jakupovic
Arnel Jakupovic is certainly the man Botev have to keep a very keen eye on this midweek. The Austrian striker leads the line effectively for Maribor more often than not and given an inch of space will punish them.
Jakupovic has 26 goal involvements in 54 appearances across all competitions for Maribor which is a very welcomed return for the striker. He's spent time in both England and Italy as well, which shows his talent is certainly something to take seriously.
