UEFA Champions League Qualifying – Hibernians vs Flora Tallinn Preview and Prediction
The second leg of the Champions League First Qualification Round will take place on Tuesday evening, 13th of July, at the MFA Centenary Stadium in Malta. Hibernians will be hoping to rebound from their 2-0 setback in Estonia against Flora Tallinn in the first leg. This season, neither team has to be concerned about away goals because UEFA has abolished that regulation for this competition.
Teams: Hibernians FC – Flora Tallinn
Tournament: UEFA Champions League
Date: Tuesday, 13 July 2021
Hour: 18:00
Venue: Hibernians Ground, Paola
Hibernians vs Flora Tallinn: Match Preview
Hibernians
Hibernians are back in the Champions League qualifying rounds for the first time since 2017-18. Even in the Europa League qualifying stages, the team has not had much success in previous seasons. Despite doubts over manager Stefano Sanderra’s future, the team is trying to reach the second round of the Champions League for the fourth time.
Hibernians, Malta Records
1. Hibernians have won their previous seven home games.
2. The club has won each of their past six home games by a shutout.
3. Hibernians have won the second half in all seven of their home games this season.
4. The team has scored in 12 of the last 13 home games.
5. They have scored in the second half in 12 of their last 13 home games.
6. Hibernians haven’t allowed a goal in any of their past six home games.
7. Over 1.5 goals have been scored (in regular time) in 8 of the last 9 UEFA Champions League Preliminary games.
8. In the past five UEFA Champions League Preliminary games, there have been fewer than 3.5 goals scored (in regular time).
9. Hibernians In each of their past nine UEFA Champions League Preliminary games, they have scored fewer than 2.5 goals (in regular time).
Possible Lineups of Hibernians – To be confirmed 1h before kick-off
Nicky Vella – Goalkeeper, Leandro Almeida – Defender, Andrei Agius – Defender, Ferdinando Apap – Defender, Dunstan Vella – Defender, Sergio Raphael – Defender, Zachary Grech – Defender, Jake Grech – Midfielder, Jurgen Degabriele – Forward, Thaylor – Forward, Ayrton Attard – Forward
Flora Tallinn
Jürgen Henn has been unable to move Flora through the first round of the Champions League thus far. The squad has failed to go past the first round on three occasions in a row, although coming close in the previous campaign before being eliminated on penalties. The team has been quite busy in the transfer window, bringing in veteran players such as Sergei Zenjov and Ken Kallaste. The 34-year-old Estonian coach is free of serious injuries.
Flora Tallinn, Estonia Records
1. The club has won 28 of its last 29 games.
2. Flora Tallinn has won 28 of its last 29 games.
3. The club has won six of the past seven games with a shutout.
4. Flora Tallinn has scored in 15 of the team’s previous 16 road games.
5. They have scored in the first half in eight of their past nine road games.
6. In 14 of the previous 16 away games, Flora Tallinn has scored in the second half.
7. They’ve scored in both halves in seven of their past nine road games.
8. Flora Tallinn has not surrendered a goal in six of the past seven games.
9. Over 1.5 goals have been scored (in regular time) in each of the past six UEFA Champions League Preliminary games.
10. In 11 of the previous 12 away games, the club has scored more than 1.5 goals.
11. Flora Tallinn has scored fewer than 2.5 goals (in regulation time) in each of their past six UEFA Champions League Preliminary games.
Possible Lineups of Flora Tallinn – To be confirmed 1h before kick-off
Matvei Igonen – Goalkeeper, Marten Kuusk – Defender, Henrik Purg – Defender, Marco Lukka – Defender, Michael Lilander – Defender, Konstantin Vassiljev – Midfielder, Henrik Ojamaa – Midfielder, Martin Miller – Midfielder, Markus Soomets – Midfielder, Sergey Zenjov – Forward, Rauno Sappinen – Forward
Hibernians vs Flora Tallinn – Head-to-head
- In the past, the two sides had no opportunity to clash.
- Flora won the first match seven days ago in Tallinn, as previously stated.
- On this occasion, Rauno Sappinen made the difference with two late second-half goals.
Hibernians vs Flora Tallinn Prediction
Flora is not very good at home in European games. Flora’s lone home Champions League victory in the previous decade came against Lincoln Red Imps in 2016. However, the match against Hibernians may be the reason for concern, as Malta’s sole Champions League away win came against an Estonian team, FCI Tallinn, in 2017. However, this is a long shot, and recent momentum has been in the hands of Flora, who has been involved in frequent action over the previous several weeks.
Total goals over 2.5
Flora has scored three or more goals in three of the past five domestic Meistriliiga matches. They have been in good scoring form, but Hibernians have had a dismal defensive record in the first two rounds of the Champions League. Hibernians have allowed 11 goals in the past five Champions League qualification rounds.
Both teams to score – yes
There is little question that the two clubs will face off in a competitive match. Flora has had regular football, which should keep the momentum continuing, whilst Hibernians are fresh and tonight will be their first competitive engagement since March. This should provide a favorable atmosphere for both sides to achieve their objectives.
Final Thoughts
Flora Tallin is the bookmakers’ favorite today, although they were rather lucky to win the last game, with the Maltese side seeming the better team before Sergio Raphael’s expulsion altered the tie. The hosts have a solid record here, both locally and in Europe, and have beaten teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv in the past, so they should be able to win here. This bet is especially appealing when you consider that Tallin can afford to lose by one goal and still advance.
