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Jagiellonia Bialystok have a comfortable lead in their Europa League qualifying tie with Saburtalo, and they will advance into the competition's league phase if the hold onto their lead against the hosts on Thursday at Mikheil Meskhis Stadium.
Jaga emerged as 4-0 winners in the first leg on August 20, and while they now have to travel to Saburtalo's stadium, their hosts will need to stage one of Europe's greatest ever comebacks if they are to avoid elimination.
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.
Saburtalo vs Jagiellonia Bialystok key stats
- Jagiellonia Bialystok have scored at least three goals in three of their last nine qualifying games in Europe.
- Saburtalo have failed to score more than one goal in 18 of their 26 European matches.
- Six of the last 11 goals scored by Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europe have been scored in the first half.
- At least four goals have been scored in six of Saburtalo's last 11 UEFA games.
Saburtalo vs Jagiellonia Bialystok preview: On the verge of the Europa League
Saburtalo vs Jagiellonia Bialystok — Tale of the Tape
| SAB | vs | JAG |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd (Erovnuli Liga) | Position | 10th (Ekstraklasa) |
| 34 | Points | 6 |
| 30 | Goals For | 3 |
| 22 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 7 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 6th |
Saburtalo produced a comparable number of shots to their opponents – they generated seven shots on target compared to their opponents' tally of eight – but the quality of their chances were poor.
The hosts have only won one of their last six home games in Europe, with the club losing on three occasions, and they have never won by more than a two-goal margin in a continental clash.
If there was one comfort for manager Andriy Demchenko, it would be that his side are guaranteed a place in the Conference League league phase even if they lose, so his team's European adventures are not over regardless of Thursday's result.
Saburtalo have no choice but to field an attacking lineup, and it would not be surprising to see Amiran Dzagania, Nika Sikharulashvili and Zviad Natchkebia used in a front three.
Jagiellonia Bialystok will be delighted with their display in the first leg, with that match their third win in four European games, as well as their fourth consecutive match unbeaten in Europe.
Boss Adrian Siemieniec must be feeling incredibly confident ahead of the second leg, especially as they have never lost by a four-goal margin in UEFA competitions.
However, the visitors twice conceded four goals in Europa League qualifying in 2024-25, so they cannot take progression for granted.
Jaga should not take any risks with their lineup, and they should look to start the likes of Jeremy Agbonifo, Nik Prelec and Kajetan Szmyt in attack.
Saburtalo vs Jagiellonia Bialystok form guide & betting tips
| SAB | vs | JAG |
|---|---|---|
D
D
W
L
L
|
Form |
W
W
L
D
W
|
| 6 | Goals For | 9 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 5 |
DWL |
Europa League qualifying | WDW |
Whispers predicts: Saburtalo 1-3 Jagiellonia Bialystok (Jagiellonia Bialystok win 7-1 on aggregate)
Following the visitors' comprehensive win in the first leg, it comes as no surprise to see Jagiellonia Bialystok backed by the bookmakers at 19/20 (1.95).
Saburtalo have failed to score more than one goal in 18 of their 26 European games, so predicting Under 1.5 Goals for Saburtalo at 1/3 (1.33) would be sensible.
Given the visitors have more often than not scored in the first half of European matches, backing Jagiellonia Bialystok to Win the First Half at 8/5 (2.6) could be the way to go.
Considering at least four goals have been scored in six of Saburtalo's last 11 UEFA games, it may make sense to predict Over 3.5 Goals at 23/10 (3.3).
> Under 1.5 Goals for Saburtalo at 1/3 (1.33) | Likelihood: Probable
> Jagiellonia Bialystok to Win the First Half at 8/5 (2.6) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 Goals at 23/10 (3.3) | Likelihood: Outsider