Maribor and Birkirkara will face off in the 1st leg of the 1st Qualifying Round of the UEFA Conference League.
Maribor’s strong defensive record and Birkirkara’s low scoring average do suggest that Birkirkara may find it challenging to score in this match. Additionally, Maribor’s ability to create goal-scoring opportunities makes them a formidable opponent. While it’s difficult to predict the exact outcome, it seems likely that Maribor will have the advantage in both attack and defense in this fixture.
Maribor will enter this match after a 1-1 draw against Bravo in the PrvaLiga.
Unfortunately, Maribor has struggled to keep clean sheets in their recent games, with their defense being breached in 5 out of their last 6 matches, resulting in a total of 8 goals conceded.
In terms of team news, Maribor will be without Gregor Sikosek and Ignacio Guerrico due to knee injuries.
Last 5 Games: Won: 2, Draw: 3, Lost: 0, Scored: 11, Conceded: 4, Clean Sheets: 1.
Birkirkara will enter this clash with confidence, having secured a 1-0 victory against Olimpija Ljubljana in their most recent outing in the Conference League Qualifiers.
In the majority of their previous six matches, Birkirkara has witnessed a relatively low number of goals, averaging 1.67 goals per game, with their own scoring rate standing at 0.83 goals per game.
However, each game is unique, and it remains to be seen if this pattern will continue in the upcoming match. On the positive side, Birkirkara will have a fully healthy squad at their disposal, with no fitness concerns to report.
Last 5 Games: Won: 2, Draw: 0, Lost: 3, Scored: 7, Conceded: 11, Clean Sheets: 1.
The match will be played at the Ljudski Vrt Stadium.
July 13, 2023, 20:00 UK time.