Fiorentina vs Qarabag
UEFA Europa League – Group Stage
Date: Thursday, 29th September, 2016,
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Florence).
Fiorentina were held to a goal-less draw by Greek outfit PAOK in their opening match of the Europa League 2016/17 campaign. While their matchday 2 opponent Qarabag came from behind to draw level in the four goal thriller against Slovan Liberec. The Group J table has four teams level on a point each when Fiorentina host Qarabag on Thursday evening.
Paulo Sousa will be fairly satisfied with the start his team had in this new season. Fiorentina kicked-off their competitive campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Turin against Juventus in the Serie A opener. And they are unbeaten in 5 matches since then, with 2 wins and 3 draws. Both their wins have come at home, while they are yet to win a match on the road this season. Having watched the team in all their matches so far this season, the Viola must be doing better especially in front of goal.
The Azerbaijan Premier League Champions are having a decent run in their domestic league after 6 matches into the new season. They had won 4 and drawn and lost 1 each so far. Coming back to Europe, their competitive season started in the second round qualifiers of the Champions League. An aggregate loss to Viktoria Plzen on away goal rule dropped them to the play-off round of the Europa League. A win against IFK Goteborg booked them a place in the group stages for the second consecutive season. They finished last in their Europa League group last season. They will expecting a much better outing this term, for that they must improve their away form.
Fiorentina vs Qarabag: Head-to-Head Stats
The Thursday’s fixture will be the first match between AFC Fiorentina and Qarabag in a UEFA competition.
Qarabag had met an Italian opposition in Inter Milan during the group stage of 2014/15 Europa League. They lost the first leg in Milan 2-0 and managed to earn a 0-0 draw in the return leg at home.
Fiorentina vs Qarabag: Prediction
Fiorentina are playing some wonderful football at the moment. But their attack is a big worry as they are solely responsible for their three drawn matches this season. While Qarabag is not a side renowned for exceptional performance in away matches on a European night. They have failed to win in all of their 3 matches in the UEFA qualifiers this season. If Fiorentina improve their finishing, they will win this fairly easy.
The Viola have kept a clean sheet in each of their three home matches this season. Also 8 of their last 10 competitive matches at home produced under 2.5 goals. This is another perfect option for this match.
Full Time Correct Score: Fiorentina 2-0 Qarabag at 11/2 (6.50).
Fiorentina vs Qarabag: Bet Tips
Fiorentina to win at 1.57 (4/7)
Under 2.5 goals at 1.73 (8/11).
