Sheriff Tiraspol vs CS Fola Esch-Alzette Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 18/08/2020, 07:18  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 18/08/2020 at 09:54 in Champions League Predictions

With time to make up, the first qualifying round of the 2020/21 Champions League is being played over one match rather than two legs. Sheriff Tirasapol are the heavy favourites to make it to the next round as they host Fola Esch. The winners of this tie have a home tie against either Qarabag or Sileks in the next round. Tiraspol are five points clear at the top of the Moldovan league and have won all eight of their eight games scoring 23 times and conceding just once. That was in their most recent game when beating Petrocub 4-1 at home, their 11th win in the last 12 played at the Bolshaya Sportivnaya Stadium. They have never made it past the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The 2018-19 season saw them get to the play-off round of the Europa League losing to Qarabag, who of course may be their opponents in the next qualifying round of this competition. Only two of their last eight home Champions League games (and one out of eight in the Europa League) so they will hope to make the most of their home advantage.

Fola Esch are yet to start their domestic season in Luxembourg. They have had just one friendly since March, that was a 2-1 loss to Sporting Charleroi on July 18. The lack of game may well count against them in this match. Fola Esch were two points clear at the top of the Luxembourg league when the pandemic caused the season to be ended early. They haven't been in the Champions League since the 2015/16 season when losing in the second qualifying round. Fola have never won a Champions League match, losing three out of four games and conceding 10 goals. Recent seasons have seen them in the Europa League, making it to the third qualifying round in the 2016/17 season. Last season saw them knocked out of the Europa League in the first qualifying round by Chikhura Sachkhere. They are still awaiting their first away win in European competition with three draws and nine losses with just one goal scored in the last five. Go for a home win here with Sheriff leading at half and full time.