Albanian champions Egnatia will contest their first-ever match in major European competition, though their visitors on matchday one of the UEFA Conference League are European regulars Midtjylland.
Match News and Current Form
On the back of three successive domestic titles, Egnatia have finally reached the main draw of a UEFA competition after failure in the qualifying stages of each of the previous three seasons. They start with arguably their toughest fixture of the league phase, but are in good form having won four of their last five domestic games (L1). They now chase history given that Albanian sides have only won two games in major European competition this century, but Egnatia staying unbeaten at home since April (W7, D2) and losing just two of their previous ten UEFA qualifying home games (W5, D3) hints that they’re capable of springing a surprise here.
Midtjylland are competing in the league phase of the Conference League for the first time, but have plenty of recent European pedigree having reached the knockout stages of the Europa League in each of the previous two seasons. The Wolves come into this contest buoyed by a huge 2-1 win over title rivals Copenhagen at the weekend, so appear primed to improve on a run of just one defeat in their last ten European league phase matches (W7, D2). Midtjylland are also unbeaten in eight successive away games (W5, D3), with two of those wins coming by 2+ goal margins in Conference League qualifying.
Head-to-Head History
These sides have never previously met. Danish teams are unbeaten in all prior six H2Hs against Albanian counterparts (W4, D2), with this set to be the first such meeting since 1994/95.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Four of Egnatia’s last five European home games produced over 5.5 goals.
Five of Egnatia’s last six competitive fixtures saw both teams score.
Four of Midtjylland’s last five matches produced over 2.5 goals.
A red card was issued in three of Midtjylland’s last six games against top-flight opposition.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Half of Alessandro Albanese’s six-goal haul this term came in European home games, with all 15 of his strikes for Egnatia coming in wins (W12). Friday Etim is in flying form for Midtjylland having contributed to eight goals in his last seven matches (G5, A3), with the last two of his strikes serving to open the scoring.
Egnatia look to have no fresh injury issues, though Midtjylland’s Martin Erlić has missed their last three games.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Egnatia’s novice status in European competition makes value hard to find, so Midtjylland to win and over 3.5 goals looks a viable combination.
Author: Ryan Fisher