Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Lincoln Red Imps play host to Qarabag at their Victoria Stadium in the Champions League first qualifying round, first leg. Lincoln Red Imps face an uphill task in Tuesday’s clash and seeing that they have not been in action since April, home win should not be considered. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team ahead of the visit of Qarabag.
The Azeri, on the other hand, did well to beat CSKA Sofia in their last warm-up game and it is no wonder the bookies see them as favourites to win the first leg. Qarabag are a more experienced side than Lincoln Red Imps and we predict that they will prove their worth on the field. A man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Leandro Andrade, who scored seven goals in the national championship last term.
Highlighted Team (Qarabag):
Over the years Qarabag have established themselves as one of the best teams in Azerbaijan. The club was founded in 1951 and they were playing under the name of Mehsul back then. Qarabag won their first trophy in the national championship in 1993, beating Khazar Sumgayit in the title game.
In the 2015/2016 season they won their fourth domestic trophy, with the team finishing the season 22 points clear of second-placed Zira. Qarabag participated in the 2016/2017 Champions League qualifiers, but they were more than unfortunate to suffer a loss to Viktoria Plzen in the two-legged tie. The Azerbaijan outfit were beaten by the Czechs on away goal rule and, as a result, they made it to the Europa League playoffs.
Thanks to a win over Goteborg in the double-header Qarabag made it to the knockout stages of the competition. The Horsemen play their home games at Azersun Arena and their home colours are black. Qarabag play their away games in white kits.