Ararat-Armenia bring up the rear in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) after two matchdays, but they may feel a trip to second-tier Portuguese side Torreense represents a winnable game on paper.
Match News and Current Form
After a famous 2-1 win at Lillestrøm on matchday one, Torreense were bitten by the harsh reality of the UEL, going down against both Sunderland and Ferencváros. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Blue-garnets though, who are out-performing their xG and have one of the best conversion rates in the competition, but it’s their inability to convert performances into points which is the biggest concern. Home form has been equally underwhelming too, with just one win from the last five matches they hosted (D2, L2), with that problem exacerbated here by the fact that their UEL home games are being played at the home of União de Leiria.
On a seven-game unbeaten streak in the Armenian Premier League (W6, D1) and two points from the summit, Ararat-Armenia could be forgiven for not looking forward to this European tie considering they have lost all three of their league phase matches. This is the first time in their history that they have lost three European fixtures in a row, with the 11 times they conceded across those games the most of any side in the competition ahead of this round. Hitting the road seems unlikely to stimulate a response either given they travel to Portugal having lost five of their last six away matches in European competition (D1).
Head-to-Head History
The only previous European meeting between a Portuguese and Armenian side came during the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Torreense scored before half-time in each of their three UEL matches.
All three of Torreense’s UEL games saw both teams score.
Ararat-Armenia have picked up 2+ yellow cards in all three UEL fixtures this season.
Ararat-Armenia have conceded two first-half goals in each of their UEL games this season.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Manuel Pozo has scored two of Torreense’s four UEL goals, but he’s far from guaranteed to add to his tally here given his last four competitive goals all came in away games. Ararat-Armenia’s best source of a goal could well be Sandro Lima, who has scored in the first half of their last two domestic games, though his four European goals this term arrived after the break.
Torreense look to be close to full strength, while Paul Ayongo hasn’t travelled for Ararat-Armenia.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Neither team have been strong defensively in this competition, so backing both teams to score could be a good choice.
Author: Tom Penn