/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2FFotoJet-2026-07-08T021730.872.jpg)
Sheriff Tiraspol begin their Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday when they welcome Aluminij to Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena for the first leg of their opening-round tie.
The Moldovan side are aiming to move closer to a return to the Europa League proper after a two-year absence, while Slovenian Cup winners Aluminij are preparing for the first European fixture in their history.
This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, with the Foresters also entering continental competition for the first time.
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.
Sheriff vs. Aluminij key stats
- Sheriff have won each of their last eight home matches.
- Aluminij have lost 10 of their last 15 away games.
- Sheriff have kept clean sheets in their last six matches.
Sheriff vs. Aluminij preview: Hosts expected to make home advantage count
Sheriff vs Aluminij — Tale of the Tape
| Sheriff | vs | Aluminij |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd (2026-27 Moldovan Liga) | Position | 7th (2025–26 Slovenian PrvaLiga) |
| 4 | Points | 36 |
| 3 | Goals For | 42 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 61 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 7th RANK] |
Sheriff secured European qualification after winning the Moldovan Cup, and they enter this clash unbeaten in their last six matches (W4 D2).
Victor Mihailov's side were held to a goalless draw by Politehnica UTM last time out despite controlling 66% possession, registering 13 attempts and forcing five shots on target.
That result extended Sheriff’s run without conceding to six matches, although it marked the second time in four games that the Yellow-Blacks had failed to find the net.
However, home form should provide confidence ahead of Thursday’s contest, with Sheriff winning their last eight matches at Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena while scoring multiple goals in seven of those victories.
Aluminij earned their place in Europe after winning the Slovenian Cup, securing their first major trophy since claiming the Slovenian Republic League and Cup double in the 1965-66 season.
Jura Arsic's side have struggled for momentum since that triumph, failing to win any of their last six matches across all competitions (D3 L3), including a 3-0 defeat to Maribor on the final day of the league campaign.
The Foresters have also endured a difficult pre-season schedule, drawing their opening two friendlies before losing their final two matches, including a 2-1 defeat against Partizan in their latest outing.
That result highlighted defensive concerns, with Aluminij conceding at least two goals in four of their last five matches, while their only victories in their previous nine games came during their cup-winning run.
Sheriff vs. Aluminij form guide & betting tips
| Sheriff | vs | Aluminij |
|---|---|---|
WDWWD |
Form | LDDLL |
| 7 | Goals For | 4 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 10 |
N/A |
Europa League | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Sheriff 2-0 Aluminij
Sheriff are clear favourites for the opening leg due to their outstanding home record and Aluminij’s recent struggles on the road, making the hosts to score over 1.5 team goals at 7/10 (1.70) an appealing option.
Both Teams to Score – No at 13/20 (1.65) also stands out, with Sheriff keeping six consecutive clean sheets and Aluminij failing to score in four of their last five competitive matches.
Sheriff to win to nil at 6/5 (2.20) provides another option, as Mihailov's side have combined defensive strength with reliable attacking output on home soil.
Our correct-score prediction is Sheriff 2-0 Aluminij, available at 11/2 (6.50).
> Sheriff over 1.5 team goals at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Likely
> Both Teams to Score – No at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Feasible
> Sheriff to win to nil at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Feasible
> Correct score: Sheriff 2-0 Aluminij at 11/2 (6.50) Likelihood: Outsider