ABERDEEN have the ideal chance to erase the embarrassment of their shock League Cup defeat at Raith Rovers when they face Qarabag in the Europa Conference League first leg.
Stephen Glass made it clear where the Dons' priorities lie when he made seven changes for their trip to Kirkcaldy and paid the price when they collapsed in the second half and allowed the Championship side to claim a famous win.
With the group stages of Europe worth a potential £3 million to the Pittodrie club, it's an understandable decision as they attempt to reach a group stages of a European competition for the first time since Jimmy Calderwood managed it in 2007.
Standing in their way are Azerbaijani European stalwarts Qarabag, who have played in the group stages of either the Europa League or the Champions League for the past eight seasons, so it's a huge task for the Dons.
However, the Baku side doesn't appear to be any near as strong as in recent seasons and there's a belief that this is a golden opportunity for Aberdeen.
How the bookies view it
Qarabag are the favourites at 27/20 with Unibet, while Aberdeen can be backed at 2/1 with bet365. The draw is 23/10 with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads
The teams have never met, but here's footage of what Aberdeen face with the goal and celebrations of Qarabag's last gasp win in the last round against AEL Limassol.
Players to watch
Ramil Seydayev is Qarabag's main striker and netted six goals in 15 starts last season for Sabah before moving in the summer.
Christian Ramirez has scored four goals already so far this season including a double in Aberdeen's win in Iceland against Breidablik. He's a key man for Stephen Glass' side and the Dons will need the American international at his best tomorrow.
Anything else catch the eye?
Aberdeen will go all out here not to lose and would happily take a draw back to a packed-out Pittodrie next week for the second leg.
Qarabag have an impessive European pedigree, but they are nowhere near the force they once were these days. They only edged past Ashdod and AEL Limassol in Europe and started their league campaign with a draw. In five games this season, not once have they gone over 2.5 goals.
That said, the heat and humidity of Baku and a reported terrible pitch won't suit Aberdeen, who also have serious concerns about their defence this season.
Aberdeen should have enough about them to score in Azerbaijan because they will attack this season and bet365's 5/6 for Aberdeen to net before the 64th minute should be well in reach.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Qarabag and Aberdeen will be played on Aug 19, 2021 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Qarabag vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
