Written By: Kevin Mac, , Match Preview

ABERDEEN are grizzled veterans when it comes to Europa League qualifiers and boss Derek McInnes will be hoping that experience can see them through against Chikhura Sachkhere.

The Dons hold the advantage heading into the second leg after Sam Cosgrove's priceless away goal sealed a 1-1 draw in Georgia.

They would have been in an even stronger position had Chikhura not been awarded a dubious penalty in the first leg, with boss Derek McInnes blasting the officials over that decision.

But the Reds should have enough quality to see this tie out and line up a crack at Rijeka, the Croatian side they defeated in the qualifiers four years ago.

McInnes believes his side can achieve their goal of reaching the group stage, even though the odds are stacked against the Dons with two more qualifiers laying in wait.

However, this tie is still not over and with Aberdeen having injury problems in defence, some punters might fancy a punt on Chikhura to qualify at 6/1 with Bet365.

Centre-backs Ash Taylor and Mikey Devlin miss out with hamstring injuries although it looks like left-back Greg Leigh will win his fitness fight.

That will give the Georgians encouragement but I fancy McInnes' men to edge this, with a one-goal winning margin attractive at 12/5 with Bet365.

In the last round, Aberdeen won both legs 2-1 against RoPS, leaving it late to bring up one of my tips in the Finnish return leg.

Both teams to score also come up for me that night and I fancy a repeat here, given those injury problems at the back for McInnes. It's available at 15/13 with SportNation.

Chikhura netted twice on the road in the last round against Fola Esch and beat Beitar Jerusalem 2-1 away last season so they know the way to goal and offer a threat.

It was Giorgi Koripadze who netted in the first leg and he could be worth a punt again, given he takes the spot-kicks. Koripadze is a tempting 7/1 with William Hill for anytime scorer.

Dons striker Cosgrove has been on fire so far this season, netting in every game, so it's no surprise to see him at odds-on for anytime scorer. But William Hill are offering 19/5 on Cosgrove netting in a 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0 Dons victory and that looks like a great option, given it should be a tight game.

I'm not expecting a huge amount of goals but neither are the bookies so there's not much value to be had. Under 2.5 goals is 27/20 with Bet 365 but there's a danger this tie might see three goals so I wouldn't back that with big expectations of a pay-out.

This match between Aberdeen and Chikhura Sachkhere will be played on Aug 1, 2019 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Aberdeen vs Chikhura Sachkhere prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Aberdeen one-goal winning margin
12/5
Both teams to score
15/13
SportNation
Cosgrove to score in a 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0 Aberdeen win
19/5
William Hill

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