Valur – Sheriff Tiraspol Prediction & Picks (16.08.2018)

Valur and Sheriff meet at Vodafonevöllurinn (Valsvöllur), in a return match for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (3rd Qualifying Round), after the victory at home of the Sheriff by (1-0) in the first leg. In this game the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.

Valur:

The home team comes to this second leg with a disadvantage of 1 goal, in addition to the disadvantage of not having scored goals as a visitor in the first leg. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses in away matches; against 11 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a home win against Grindavík by (4-0). In the last 10 home matches for all competitions, Valur have won 8, tied 1 and lost 1. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 7 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, he suffered the first goal 5 times and never got the comeback. In the last 20 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have suffered 7 of their 20 goals between minutes (76′-90 ‘).

The Valur set starts for this game with a win over Grindavík, 4-0, in a match for the Icelandic Championship. We remember that the Icelanders lost in the first leg of the 3rd round and for this reason they necessarily need to add a victory. In this match at home, coach Ólafur Johannesson 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. Patrick Pedersen is one of the great highlights of the team Valur, being a very strong player in the finalization. From outside by injury continues Christiansen.

Sheriff:

The away team comes to this second leg with an advantage of 1 goal, but suffered 0 goals at home in the first leg. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 7 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 24 goals scored and 12 conceded; against 11 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses at their stadium, with 37 goals scored and 6 suffered. The team comes to this match after a home victory over Speranţa Nisporeni by (2-0). In the last 10 games played as a visitor for all competitions, the Sheriff won 4, drew 2 and lost 4.

The Sheriff leaves for this match with a triumph over Sperante Nisporeni, by 2-0, adding the second consecutive victory in several competitions. We remember that the Moldovans are in advantage, due to the victory at home against Valur, 1-0. In this game away from home coach Goran Sablic must act in the usual 4-3-3, privileging the organization of his block, exploring in most cases the rapid transitions. Antun Palic is a key player in the tactical scheme of the Sheriff’s team, being responsible for creating and organizing the offensive process. Everything indicates that the coach can count on his habitual holders.