Maribor v Spartak Moscow – Champions League

Both free and premium members enjoyed a positive day yesterday. We have posted a total of seven free betting previews on the site yesterday, five of them won, one was lost and one was half lost. In a couple of hours you can also expect a new premium membership guide along with new sports subscriptions(free and paid ones), so check back a little later if interested. Anyway, below you can read our premium prediction for the CL match between Maribor and Sparta Moskva.

Maribor are able to name their strongest eleven for this first match against Spartak. Zahovič and Billong are out while Vršič is also unlikely to feature, all out due to injuries. Their absences will reduce options on the bench but won’t have any impact on starting XI. Milanič will need to make some choices in the attacking line with few players pushing for a starting berth. With a +0.5 AH to beat Maribor have been given some nice value if they’re able to avoid defeat. It is expected they’ll prioritize defensive stability throughout the contest so key goal will be to keep it 0-0 for as long as they can. If they manage to come into the late period of the game level, they’ll improve aiming to sneak a narrow win. This is likely to be a very closed and tight affair where not many chances will be seen. The 2.25 goal line fairly represents what kind of affair should be spotted in Ljudski Vrt. Over the set goal line could occur only if there will be an early goal scored by the visiting team as Maribor will take more risks in attack only if behind.

Spartak Moskva come into the game with Maribor with an almost fully fit squad to pick from. They have some doubts over Tasci but the defender should be fit enough to start the match. If not, the team are expected to move into a 4-3-3 formation with both Petkovic and Kombarov coming into the team and Fernando dropping to the bench. Their plan A will be to operate with five in midfield though. With the Asian handicap set at -0.5 Spartak Moskva are expected to win the game but things might not be as simple as that with Maribor representing spirited competition, especially at home. An early goal could be key for Spartak Moskva and its unlikely that the side would push on for another if they were to take the lead, leaving the small handicap looking precarious. Spartak Moskva will only be looking to gain the three points here and won’t be interested in posting a big score. They’ll happily take a 1-0 win and even the relatively low 2.25 goal line could be out of reach if Spartak were able to take the lead. If Maribor find a way to score however things could be very different with Spartak forced to come out and play and the game could become very open.

Verdict & Prediction

Motivation is at a peak as this is an extremely big achievement for a club such as Maribor. Competing in the Champions League will be priority number one in this part of the season, knowing that further financial income will boost their club’s budget. Sold out stadium; almost instantly after the draw, all tickets were purchased. An atmosphere will be at the highest possible level, the home fans are well-known for loud and massive support. Every point gained in this group will be treated as a positive result.

Prediction: Maribor +0.75 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.73 SBOBET (1.78 when sent to premium subscribers)