Zira will take on Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League first-round qualifying tie. The hosts come into the match with a handy advantage after pulling off a shock 1-0 victory away in Moldova which sets us up for a thrilling return leg.
Neither side are exactly up to speed in terms of competitive action after they both ended their domestic seasons at the end of May. After they both finished as runners-up in their respective leagues, they will be hoping to go one better this time around but a strong European campaign also be most welcome.
As part of our latest round of Europa League predictions, check out our Zira vs Sheriff Tiraspol prediction.
Contents
Zira vs Sheriff Tiraspol prediction: Experience to prove pivotal
Key stats
- Sheriff Tiraspol became the first team from Moldova to play in the Champions League group stages in 2021.
- Sheriff Tirapsol have won three of their last five matches.
- Four out of Zira's last five competitive matches have seen under 2.5 goals scored.
Correct score prediction: Zira 0-2 Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff Tiraspol will do everything in their power to overcome their shock defeat in the first leg and will fancy their chances given they have a better squad than Zira. We fancy them to flex their muscles and use all of their recent European experience to come through the tie inside 90 minutes.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sheriff are favourites
- HOME: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Zira vs Sheriff Tiraspol odds illustrate that Zira are still the underdogs in this clash despite playing at home and their victory over Sheriff last week. Sheriff aren't priced as short as they were last week but they are still the favourites at 21/20 with Betfred.
Check out more tips and odds via our betting tips for today page.
Zira v Sheriff Tiraspol: European history
Zira have played in European competitions on two previous occasions. In 2017/18, they made it through to the second qualifying round for the Europa League while last season, they were eliminated in the second round of Europa Conference League qualifying.
Sheriff, meanwhile, have a very proud European history. They became the first Moldovan team in history to qualify for the Champions League group stages in 2021/22 where they recorded a stunning 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Zira preview: Looking to finish the job
Zira are in a commanding position in the tie after their 1-0 win in the first leg but they will be well aware that the job is far from over. If they can pull this one off, though, then it would arguably be the biggest win in their history.
Predicted lineup: Tiago Silva (GK), Djibrilla, Acka, Renato, Nuriyev, Zebli, Ibrahimli, Aliyev, Utzig, Volvoki & Ahmadzada
Sheriff Tiraspol preview: Can they turn the tie around?
Sheriff Tiraspol will have been disappointed by their showing in the Moldovan Premier League last season, ending their run of eight consecutive league titles. Following that up with an early exit from the Europa League qualifying rounds certainly wouldn't go down well with their supporters.
Predicted lineup: Al Tumi (GK), Behiratche, Pata, Yade, Lins, Allach, Kyabou, Joao Paulo, Akanbi, Ademo & Badolo
Player to watch: Cedric Badolo
Cedric Badolo ended the 2023/24 season in fine form, scoring three goals in the final three games of the season. He will be looking to pick up where he left off at the beginning of this one and given that Sheriff need goals on Thursday evening, he will be the man they are likely to turn to.
Badolo has been playing in Moldova for three seasons now but had his best year last season, scoring seven league goals for Sheriff.
