Qarabag FK enter Wednesday’s Champions League second qualifying round return leg against Shelbourne at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium with a commanding three-goal cushion, following a clinical performance in Dublin last week.
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Qarabag vs Shelbourne prediction: Horsemen poised to reign supreme again
Key Stats
- Qarabag have kept clean sheets in each of their last six competitive home matches.
- Shelbourne have failed to win eight of their last 11 away games in all competitions (D7, L2).
- The Horsemen have scored three or more goals in five of their last 10 competitive outings
Correct score prediction: Qarabag 3-0 Shelbourne
The Azerbaijan champions have been a dominant force on home soil, winning eight of their last nine matches at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, with seven of those victories coming by at least a two-goal margin. Their defensive discipline has also stood out, keeping clean sheets in seven of those games, so another emphatic result in Baku appears highly likely.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hosts tipped for another comfortble win
- HOME: 1/6 (1.17) – 85.7%
- DRAW: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
- AWAY: 14/1 (15.00) – 6.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
An implied probability of 85.7% attached to Qarabag’s 1/6 (1.17) odds underlines their status as overwhelming favourites and reflects the significant gulf in quality between both sides.
A draw holds a modest 13.3% chance, while Shelbourne’s 6.3% probability of winning at odds of 14/1 (15.00) signals just how steep the challenge is — with anything short of a home victory set to be viewed as a major upset.
Most recent H2Hs: Second meeting
Last week’s clash marked the first meeting between the two clubs, and Qarabag made it count, running out 3-0 winners in Dublin courtesy of goals from Leandro Andrade, Oleksiy Kashchuk and Nariman Akhundzade.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 23/07/25
Shelbourne
FK Qarabag
Qarabag preview: Gurbanov to stick with winning formula?
Qarabag arrive with a comfortable lead and a clean bill of health, having come through the first leg without injury or suspension concerns, which could prompt Gurban Gurbanov to retain a similar lineup from the victory in Ireland.
The Azerbaijan giants now have one foot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, edging closer to replicating their memorable run in the ‘2017'-18 campaign, which remains their only appearance in the competition proper.
As for team news, the only absentee remains goalkeeper Amin Ramazanov, who is still sidelined as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered last season.
Predicted lineup: Buntic (GK), Bayramov, Mustafazada, Silva, Bolt, Bicalho, Addai, Borges, Andrade, Akhundzade & Zoubir
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
St Patricks
1
Shelbourne
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
L
Waterford FC
1
Shelbourne
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
L
Derry City
2
Shelbourne
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
D
Shamrock Rovers
2
Shelbourne
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
D
Galway United
2
Shelbourne
2
Shelbourne preview: O’Brien considering rotations?
Shelbourne also emerged from the first leg without any new setbacks, and head coach Joey O’Brien may opt to tweak his setup in response to the defeat in Dublin, especially with their European campaign far from over.
Even if the Reds fall short in Baku, they will still have another opportunity to reach a historic first-ever continental group stage, as they drop into the third qualifying round of UEFA’s second-tier club competition.
Predicted lineup: Kearns (GK), Wilson, Ledwidge, Barrett, Coyle, Caffrey, Koute, McEnroe, Lanny, Odubeko, Wood
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
St Patricks
1
Shelbourne
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
L
Waterford FC
1
Shelbourne
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
L
Derry City
2
Shelbourne
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
D
Shamrock Rovers
2
Shelbourne
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
D
Galway United
2
Shelbourne
2
Player to watch: Nariman Akhundzade
Akhundzade stands out as a clear threat to the Irish outfit’s backline, having already opened his account for the 2025-26 season with the third goal in last week’s 3-0 win in Dublin.
The young forward enjoyed an excellent campaign last term, scoring 12 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, and with confidence running high, he will be eager to build on that start as he is likely to lead the line once again on Wednesday.