Liepāja and Häcken meet at Stadions Daugava, in a match for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (1st Qualifying Round). These two teams have never faced each other before, so this will be their first direct confrontation. In this game the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.
Liepāja:
The home team will make its debut in this edition of the UEFA Europa League with the intention of conquering a positive result, taking advantage of the home factor. This is a team that, oddly enough, has had better results in away matches than at home, since in the last 30 matches they register 9 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a win away with the RTU by (0-5). In the last 10 home matches Liepāja has won 6, tied 2 and lost 2. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in all of the last 10 matches. The team usually has no problem opening the scoring: scored the first goal in 13 of the last 15 games, of these 13 came to the break in advantage in 8 and managed to maintain the advantage until the end of the 90 ‘in 9.
The Liepaja reaches this stage of the Europa League after having achieved the second position in the Latvian Championship of 2017. In the previous season, the Latvians reached the second phase of this competition, but were eliminated by the Suduva. In this first game against Hacken, coach Tamaz Pertia must play in 4-2-3-1, Vernes Apins being the most offensive reference of the local team. The offensive midfielder Ikaunieks is the great highlight of Liepaja, owning high technical quality. For this game the local coach can count on all the players at his disposal.
Häcken:
The visiting team will make its debut in this edition of the UEFA Europa League with the intention of conquering a positive result, taking advantage of the home factor. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 25 goals scored and 17 conceded; against 10 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss at their stadium, with 34 goals scored and 8 conceded. The team comes to this match after a home victory with GIF Sundsvall by (3-0). In the last 10 away matches Häcken has won 3, tied 2 and lost 5. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches.
The Hacken gained access to this phase of the Europa League due to the fourth position in the Swedish championship. However, it must be emphasized that the visitors did not play any European qualifiers in the previous season. In this first match against Liepaja, coach Andreas Alm must play in 4-2-3-1, privileging possession of the ball and attacks organized by the flanks: Nasiru Mohammed is one of the most dangerous players on the team. For this game the coach can count on all the players.
PREDICTION: Hacken to win @ 1.90
