The clash between Sabah Baku and AGF Aarhus on August 11 promises to be a real cracker in the Champions League qualifier return leg. Both sides have already secured European football this autumn which takes some pressure off but the home team will be desperate to turn things around after that narrow 2-1 loss in Denmark. The Danish champions showed they can fight back from big deficits in the previous round against Lech Poznan and that kind of character makes them dangerous even on the road.
Team Form
Sabah have been sharp in Europe so far winning four straight qualifiers while keeping things tight at the back. Their domestic league has not even kicked off yet so they come into this game fresher than their opponents who are juggling league fixtures back home. AGF on the other hand bounced back dramatically from a 1-4 home defeat to win by the same score away and progress on penalties showing they never know when they are beaten.
- Sabah lost just one goal across their four European ties before facing Aarhus
- AGF overturned a three-goal deficit in the last round showing strong mentality
- Both teams are new to this level of European football in recent times
Tactical Analysis
On their own patch Sabah will likely push forward looking for an early goal to unsettle the visitors and create the kind of open game where mistakes happen. Aarhus must stay compact and avoid giving away cheap chances but with their busy schedule fatigue could creep in late on. The lack of European experience on both sides often leads to nervy moments and defensive lapses which usually means goals at both ends.
Betting Proposal
Given how both teams like to attack and the fact they have already banked European football this season the game should open up nicely. The smart money is on an exchange of goals as the hosts chase the tie and Aarhus look to protect their lead. Both teams to score (Yes) at 1.68 looks the value type here.
