Zrinjski vs Sheriff Match Preview

Moldovan champions Serif Tiraspol are hosted by Bosnian champions Zrinski Mostar in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers.

The hosts are coming off a terific year if you consider that in thirty-three matches they had only one defeat and their difference from the second team in the standings was twenty-seven points. In the four friendlies they played, they won three and drew with Skedija of Albania, which shows their readiness for the first official match of the season.

In contrast, the visitors are currently looking nothing like last year's sensational team that managed to qualify for the Champions League group stage. Many of the pillars of last year's achievements have been transferred to other teams so it will take time for the Moldovans to have the necessary homogeneity, let alone repeat last year's success. In addition, the fact that they have not played a strong friendly before today's game is also negative in their effort.

Taking into account the above, I expected the Bosnians to be a marginal favorite, close to 2.50, but the odds underestimate them. I will bet 3 points at odds of 3.30 on the home team to win as I think they have more than 30% chance of winning in their hot home.