Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Thursday’s Conference League qualifier at Stadion Ramaz Shengelia pits together Torpedo Kutaisi and Aktobe, who meet for the first time in European competitions since 2012. Back then Aktobe eliminated Torpedo Kutaisi in the Europa League qualifiers, meaning that the hosts are hungry for revenge. The Georgians proved their worth in the double-header with FK Sarajevo, but they will have a big fish to fry against Aktobe.
The Kazakhs, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning run in the national championship and, no doubt, they are high on spirits ahead of the trip to Georgia. Beating Torpedo on the road, though, is easier said than done, which is probably the main reason why we are going to bet on draw. As for the visiting side, experienced midfielder Bauyrzhan Baytana should be recalled to the starting XI after he was rested in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kaisar Kyzylorda at the weekend.