Prediction: Aberdeen vs Rijeka

Prediction: Aberdeen win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Europa League qualifying phases continue to be pretty relentless on all teams involved, but as we get closer and closer to the group stage, this is where we begin to separate the serious contenders from the pretenders. Today we’re going to be taking a look at a pretty intriguing game that will be contested between Aberdeen and Rijeka. This is the second leg of their tie, and while the Scots have their backs against the wall, we still think that we’re in for a pretty entertaining clash.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen are considered by many to be the best of the rest in the Scottish Premiership outside of Rangers and Celtic. They’ve done well to challenge them over the last few years, especially when they were Celtic’s primary competitors in the absence of Rangers as challengers. One of their big issues has been translating their success into joy on the European stage, and if they’re unable to overcome this deficit against Rijeka, then the doubts will almost certainly rise up all over again.

Team News

Cosgrove still isn’t expected to be fit for this one, with McKenna featuring at the back despite his transfer request.

Rijeka

After coming up short in their attempt to win the league title last season, it really does feel like Rijeka are going to go all out in their attempt to do well in Europe this time around. Whether or not that takes them into the latter stages of the Europa League remains to be seen, but they’re certainly off to a good start. The important thing for them is going to be absorbing the noise and atmosphere created by the crowd, and if they can do that, they’ll be able to focus on the task at hand: keeping out Aberdeen from a defensive standpoint.

Team News

After making seven changes in the league at the weekend, Rijeka are set to revert back to a similar starting XI that played in the first leg with Colak leading the line.

Factors to Consider

• Rijeka won the first leg 2-0 last week in Croatia.
• Aberdeen are currently in 4th position in the Scottish Premiership with one win and one loss.
• Rijeka are currently in 3rd position in the Croatian First Football League with three wins and one loss.
• Aberdeen lost their last game this past weekend 1-0 to St. Mirren.
• Rijeka lost their last game this past weekend 2-0 to HNK Gorica.

Conclusion

We really do believe that Aberdeen are going to put up a valiant effort in their attempt to qualify for the next round, but we just aren’t convinced that they’re capable of getting the job done. With that being said we do think they will win on the night, but in terms of the aggregate or via away goals, the Croatians are going to progress. They’re going to have a lively crowd in attendance which we have come to expect from Scottish sides in Europe, but we don’t think it’s going to mean all that much in the end.

Prediction: Aberdeen win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: bet365