Preview: Sheriff Tiraspol vs. FC Pyunik - prediction, team news, lineups

Following a goalless stalemate in the first leg, both sides have all to play for coming into the clash which promises to be an enthralling affair.

Match preview

Sheriff Tiraspol secured a third league victory in a row as the defeated FC Zaria Balti 3-0 in Sunday's meeting at the Stadionul Orasenesc.

Stjepan Tomas's men opened the scoring after 25 minutes thanks to Steve Ambri before second-half goals from Kay Tejan and Giannis-Fivos Botos put the game to bed.

With 10 points from a possible 12 this term, The Wasps remain top of the Super Liga standings after the first four matchdays, two points clear of nearest challengers Milsami.

Next up for the Moldovan champions is the final step towards booking a spot in Europe's secondary club competitive for the second straight year off the back of a penalty shootout exit at the hands of Braga last time out.

Having won six of their most recent seven home matches, Thursday's hosts will certainly back themselves to get the job done in front of an expectant home support.

FC Pyunik were beaten on home turf once again following a narrow 1-0 loss against FC Van in Sunday's encounter at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

Yegishe Melikyan's men failed to find the back of the net for the fifth time in sixth and they were made to pay in the 83rd minute when Pavel Gorelov broke the deadlock.

Consequently, The Academy have slipped to second place in the VBET Premier League, albeit only behind current leaders Alashkert on goal difference.

Following a 5-0 defeat in their outing on road which ended a 10-game away unbeaten streak, Thursday's visitors will be looking to bounce back on enemy territory.

Sheriff Tiraspol Europa League form:

Sheriff Tiraspol form (all competitions):

FC Pyunik Europa League form:

FC Pyunik form (all competitions):

Team News

With his side seriously struggling in attack, Yegishe Melikyan might contemplate making changes at the top end of the pitch which could see Alexander Gonzalez dropped to the bench.

Zoran Gajic is a doubt for FC Pyunik here after the Serbian pulled up with an injury in the first-leg clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.

Defender Stefanos Evangelou is now available to feature for the home side once again having served a suspension in the aforementioned game.

Kay Tejan will be pushing for a place in the starting lineup here as the Dutchman came off the bench to good effect over the weekend.

Sheriff Tiraspol possible starting lineup:

Celeadnic; Kpozo, Heron, Kiki, Renan; Diop, Kyabou, Badolo; Akanbi, Tejan, Ouattara

FC Pyunik possible starting lineup:

Yurchenko; Cociuc, Bratkov, Dashyan, Harutyunyan; Vakulenko, Otubanjo, Juricic; Kovalenko, Juninho, Radeski

We say: Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 FC Pyunik

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