Kalju – Stjarnan Prediction & Picks (19.07.2018)

Nõmme Kalju and Stjarnan meet at Kadrioru Staadion, in a return match for this stage of the UEFA Europa League (1st Qualifying Round), after the victory at Stjarnan’s home by (3-0) in the first leg.

Kalju:

After the defeat in the first leg, the home team reaches this disadvantaged game at a disadvantage, since they need to recover 3 goals of disadvantage and have not scored any goals in the previous match. In the last 10 home matches Nõmme Kalju has a record of 9 wins and 1 loss. The team has conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches. In their away matches there is a tendency for goals, since 14 of the last 21 matches have ended with Over 2,5 goals.

The Kalju comes to this game with a defeat in the field of Stjarnan, 3-0, that is, has a very complicated task ahead. It is important to remember that the locals got access to this phase due to the third position in the Estonian Championship. In this game inside the house, coach Sergey Frantsev must act in the usual 4-4-1-1, privileging the organization of his block, exploring in most cases the rapid transitions. Liliu is a fundamental player in the tactical scheme of the Croatian team, being responsible for organizing and creating the offensive process. Everything indicates that the coach can count on his usual players.

Stjarnan:

The away team comes to this second leg with an advantage of 3 goals, but suffered 0 goals at home in the first leg. In the last 10 away matches for all competitions, Stjarnan has won 7 and tied 3. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, they suffered the first goal 4 times, but got the comeback in 3.

The Stjarnan come to this game with a good home win against Kalju, 3-0, adding the third consecutive win in several competitions: the goals were scored by Sigurdsson, Halldórsson and Baldinsson. In this away game, coach Rúnar Páll Sigmundsson must act with a strategy very similar to that of the last game, that is, benefiting possession of the ball and organized attacks, especially through the right flank. Halldórsson is the great highlight of the Icelandic team in the current championship, with 8 goals scored. For this match the coach can count on all the players at his disposal.