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NK Osijek and Zira FK go head-to-head at Opus Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday. The Croatian outfit breezed through the second round and will head into the midweek clash looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.
Osijek were denied a dream start to the 2024-25 Croatian HNL campaign as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Sibenik at the weekend.
Federico Coppitelli’s men now turn their attention to the Conference League qualifiers, where they cruised through the second round courtesy of a 6-1 aggregate victory over Levadia Tallinn.
Osijek stormed to a 5-1 first-leg victory over the Estonian outfit on July 25, one week before picking up a 1-0 win in the return leg at the Lilleküla Stadium.
Zira, on the other hand, were dumped out of the Europa League qualifiers in the first round following a penalty-shootout defeat against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Having dropped to the Conference League race, Rashad Sadyqov’s men made light work of DAC 1904 in the second round as they secured a 6-1 aggregate victory over the Slovenian outfit.
Zira head into Thursday’s tie off the back of an emphatic 4-1 win over Sabail FK in the 2024-25 Azerbaijan Premier League curtain-raiser at the weekend
NK Osijek vs Zira FK Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Osijek and Zira, who will both be aiming to begin their head-to-head record on a high.
- Zira have won all but one of their last six matches across all competitions, with a 2-1 defeat against Sheriff on July 18 being the exception.
- Zira are unbeaten in their last seven competitive away matches, picking up six wins and one draw since late March.
NK Osijek vs Zira FK Prediction
While Zira have put together a fine run of results in recent weeks, they will have to be at their best on Thursday as they face a sterner challenge in Osijek.
Given the gulf in quality between the two sides, we are backing the Croatian outfit to come away with the desired result in front of their home supporters.
Prediction: Osijek 2-1 Zira
NK Osijek vs Zira FK Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Osijek to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in five of Osijek’s last six matches)
Tip 3: Both sides to score - Yes (Both sides have also scored in five of the hosts’ last six outings)
