Sheriff Tiraspol vs Partizan prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-02-15 20:00.
Without any competitive action since the first phase of the Moldovan Super Liga ended back in November, Sheriff Tiraspol will hope to shake off the ring rust quickly as they enter only their second European knockout tie. The Moldovan outfit famously made waves as they produced one of the greatest shocks of all time with a win over Real Madrid last season, yet they were ultimately eliminated by Braga in the UEFA Europa League play-off round.
Braga needed extra time at the end of two legs to defeat Sheriff, so the Moldovians will enter this clash with no fear after defeating the Portuguese outfit 2-0 in the home leg. Moldova ranks 21 places below Serbia in UEFA’s coefficient system, yet Sheriff have historically defied the rankings with a respectable record against Serbian opponents (W2, D2, L2).
Partizan Belgrade were the side to inflict both of those Serbian defeats on Sheriff and they’re yet to concede a single goal against any Moldovan side (W3). The Serbian Super Liga returned this month but with Partizan coming into this on the back of a 4-0 defeat which left them 11 points off the title pace, Gordon Petrić’s men need a reaction.
Petrić took full responsibility for the heavy defeat last time out, stating that his “naivety and ignorance cost Partizan the victory". Replicating their solid group form is key to gaining a foothold in the tie (W2, D3, L1), and just one defeat in 90 minutes across their last 12 competitive away games (W8, D3, L1) suggests the resurgence could be on.
Players to watch: Rasheed Akanbi was crucial to Sheriff’s success in late 2022, scoring the match opener in each of their last four competitive victories. Looking to outdo him will be Partizan’s Fousseni Diabate, as the Malian forward has scored five goals in eight Conference League appearances this season, as well as bagging their only goal since the domestic restart.
Hot stat: Ten of Partizan’s last 12 European matches have seen both teams score.