Sutjeska vs Astana Match Preview and Predictions

Sutjeska vs Astana
UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
Venue: Stadion Kraj Bistrice, Niksic.

Sutjeska crossed over 3,500 miles to reach Kazakhstan in the clash in which the Montenegrin champions were heavy underdogs seven days ago. Nonetheless, the head coach Nikola Rakojevic has reasons to be proud of his men who stood brave on the pitch in spite of conceding an early opener from the penalty-spot.

The team from Niksic managed to hold to hold on to such narrow defeat after 90 minutes of play against a much stronger oppositions, earning the right to at least dream of the second qualifying round. Kazakhstani champions are still enormous favourites to go through, though, and they might even fancy the fact their rivals have to look for a goal which should open up plenty of room from them to strike at the other end.

Sutjeska vs Astana: Head-to-head

The match played seven days ago in Astana was only the first ever head to head encounter between the two teams.

Astana completely dominated the affair from the very first whistle as they had nine shots on goal to Sutjeska’s single in 90 minutes.

Sutjeska vs Astana: Prediction

On top of the fact they have much more quality in their ranks at the moment, Astana’s huge advantage is the competitive form of their players given they are midway through the season in the Premier League. Astana are six points clear at the top of the standings after 20 rounds of the competition with Kairat being the only team to potentially challenge their title aspirations.

Astana played the group stage of either Champions League or Europa League in each of past three seasons. Sutjeska, on the other side, lost four and drew one of five matches in the history of their appearances in the Champions League qualifications. Interestingly, we have to mention that Sutjeska held the likes of Sheriff to a 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg of their UCL tie back in 2013 only to suffer a 0-5 disaster in the reverse fixture on their soil.

We’d not be shocked to see a similar scenario this time out. Astana are heavy favourites and we’re backing their victory at the odds of 1.66 here. Astana to win by two or more goals difference is paid at 3.00.