On Wednesday night, Solvan Bratislava host Dundalk in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.
Bratislava entered the competition at the second qualifying stage, where they saw off the challenge of Kosovan outfit Feronikeli 4-1 on aggregate. The win means the Slovakian have a respectable record of four wins in their last five games in the Europa League dating back to last season.
However, the home side fell at this round last season, suffering a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Rapid Vienna.
The last time the home side made it into the group stages of the competition was back in 2014 when they lost all six of their group games. They will be looking to put that record straight this season.
Slovan have a strong recent home record in this competition winning their last four games on home soil while scoring at least twice in all four victories. Their attacking prowess has contributed to their last four home games in the Europa League producing over 2.5 goals.
🇸🇰 PREVIEW | #DundalkFC winger Michael Duffy is looking forward to the challenge of facing @SKSlovanon Wednesday and feels that preparation for the tie has been good so far.#DundalkInEurope. #SLODUNREAD MORE ➡️https://t.co/JB0UEukSBT pic.twitter.com/HL7glo3E1c— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) August 5, 2019
🇸🇰 PREVIEW | #DundalkFC winger Michael Duffy is looking forward to the challenge of facing @SKSlovanon Wednesday and feels that preparation for the tie has been good so far.#DundalkInEurope. #SLODUNREAD MORE ➡️https://t.co/JB0UEukSBT pic.twitter.com/HL7glo3E1c
Dundalk are in their second European competition of the campaign after the Irish side suffered elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Qarabag.
The visitors have a poor European record in general and last season they exited the Europa League at the second qualifying round. In fact, the Irish team have won just two of their last eight games in this competition, suffering five defeats in the process.
Dundalk’s away record in the Europa League has not helped their chances of progressing to the group stages, as they have won just one of their last five matches on their travels, suffering defeat in three of their last four games.
Considering the two teams’ recent home and away record, it is not surprising that Forebet predicts that Slovan Bratislava will record a victory in a low-scoring encounter.