Slovan Bratislava hold a 4-0 advantage as they travel to Zrinjski for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier. Given their comfortable lead, the Slovaks will be feeling relaxed against the Bosnians, who are attempting a difficult turnaround at home.
Zrinjski were no match for their tier rivals in the first leg as they fell to a 4-0 away defeat. They struggled to maintain their discipline at the back and also created little going forward, failing to muster a single attempt on target.
That result maintains an erratic run for Zrinjski, who have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions. However, they are often solid at home, winning seven of their last eight matches in front of their fans.
Slovan Bratislava were full value for the win in the first leg as they dominated throughout the contest. They had four different scorers, with star striker David Strelec among the goals.
That was the first competitive outing for Slovan Bratislava, who had been in preseason. They played their opening fixture in the Slovak First Football League last Saturday, battling to a 2-2 draw at Presov, with Mykola Kukharevych among the goals.
How the bookies view it: Little to separate them
There is little to separate both teams among the bookies, with a win for Zrinjski priced at 11/8 on BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 6/4 for a Slovan Bratislava victory. A draw is valued at 21/10.
Head to head: Visitors on top
Slovan Bratislava have a 4-2 advantage with one draw from seven previous matches against Zrinjski. The Slovaks claimed a 4-0 victory in the first leg and also picked up a 1-0 win in their last away clash during the Champions League qualifiers in 2023.
Players to watch: Eyes on Strelec
Strelec scored 20 league goals last season and is already off the mark this term with his effort in the first leg. Kukharevych has also caught the eye lately, and both men can produce over 0.5 goals – available at 1/4 with BoyleSports.
Nemanja Bilbija had a quiet outing for Zrinjski in the first leg but remains the one to watch, having scored three goals across two matches in the previous round. With Jakob Pranjic providing support, the hosts could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals – offered at odds of 2/9.
Probable line-ups:
Petar Mamic was a second-half substitute for Zrinjski in the first leg and could be given a start at the back. Igor Savuc should continue in the heart of midfield while Bilbija is set to lead the line once again.
For Slovan Bratislava, defender Shahari Zuberu is sidelined with an injury and will miss Tuesday's second leg. He is likely to be replaced by Sandro Cruz, while Strelec should continue in attack alongside Kukharevych.
Zrinjski: Karacic, Susic, Masic, Dujmovic, Mamic, Savic, Surdanovic, Abramovic, Ivanic, Pranjic, Bilbija
Slovan Bratislava: Takac, Blackman, Kashima, Bajric, Cruz, Ibrahim, Pokorny, Barseghyan, Tolic, Kukharevych, Strelec
Anything else catch the eye?
The last two matches between Zrinjski and Slovan Bratislava have produced over 3.5 goals – valued at 2/1 with BoyleSports, who are also offering 4/5 for over 2.5 goals. Both teams have scored in five of the Slovaks’ last seven matches (BTTS YES – priced at 6/10).
Slovan Bratislava have scored first in the last four matches against Zrinjski (Slovan Bratislava to score first – valued at Evens).
GambleAware