Slovan Bratislava vs. Saburtalo Tbilisi – News and Probable Lineups

A week after Yaya Toure’s debut as the head coach of Slovan Bratislava went well, the Slovak giants are set to host Saburtalo Tbilisi at Narodny Futbalovy Stadion this Wednesday, looking to solidify their position in the Champions League second qualifying round.

The Sky Blues achieved a 2-0 victory against Andriy Demchenko’s squad last week, putting them in a strong position to progress to the third qualifying round, where they will face either Mjallby or Lincoln Red Imps.

Match overview

Andraz Sporar and Alasana Yirajang ensured Toure’s managerial debut was memorable, as the White Hawks from Tehelne Pole secured a 2-0 win in Tbilisi, effectively giving them a significant advantage heading into the third qualifying round.

Both goals were scored in the first half, providing the Slovak side with a lead that they successfully maintained throughout the match to secure a convincing win.

This performance has carried momentum into their title defense, where the Sky Blues are looking to defend their position as eight-time champions and 24-time titleholders.

Despite statistics showing that Slovan’s 4-0 triumph was closer than the scoreline suggested, Toure’s team has yet to concede in two competitive matches while scoring six goals, giving them a favorable position as they look to advance in European qualifiers.

Having reached the third qualifying round last season before being eliminated by Kairat, the Slovak club is eager to replicate that success and reach the playoff round this year.

Demchenko brings his Red Eagles to Bratislava, aiming to reverse the 2-0 defeat from last week.

Unless the home side experiences a significant collapse, Saburtalo faces an uphill battle to progress to the third qualifying round for the first time.

The Red Eagles fell at this same stage during their European qualifying debut in the 2019-20 season, unable to score in a 5-0 aggregate loss to Dinamo Zagreb, and a 2-0 defeat at home in Tbilisi does not bode well for their upcoming clash.

Amid an ongoing struggle to secure clean sheets, Demchenko’s squad has not recorded a shutout in five consecutive competitive matches.

Adding to this challenge, Iberia has conceded two or more goals in four of those games, revealing a vulnerable defense leading into Wednesday’s fixture in Bratislava.

Thus, Saburtalo must find a way to keep a clean sheet if they are to have a chance at advancing in this midweek contest.

Team News

Tigran Barseghyan and Nino Marcelli were unable to participate in the first leg due to injury, and it seems unlikely they will be involved; however, Toure has included Marcelli in the Slovan roster.

Artur Gajdos is vying for a spot in the starting lineup against the Georgian team after providing two assists in the recent league match, aiding the Sky Blues to a win as they began the campaign.

While Manasse Kianga was instrumental with a goal and an assist in that league triumph, he has not been listed in the Bratislava squad, ruling him out until at least the next qualifying round.

The away outfit will need to depend on Amiran Dzagania, Jemali-Giorgi Jinjolava, and Vakho Bedoshvili for their scoring contributions in the league, although the trio’s only direct involvement in European matches came in the 3-2 victory over Flora in early July.

Demchenko’s side appears to have avoided serious injuries in their last two outings, leaving the Red Eagles with a largely fit roster for selection on Wednesday.

Slovan Bratislava probable starting XI:

Weaver; Blackman, Bajric, Wimmer, Kozloxy; Mustafic, Pokorny, Gajdos; Maros, Sporar, Yirajang

Saburtalo Tbilisi probable starting XI:

Makaridze; Kobuladze, Selimovic, Amisulashvili, Jinjolava; Dadiani, Bartishvilu, Kardava; Bedoshvili, Sikharulashvili, Natchkhebia

With strong defensive displays, attacking dynamism, and a comfortable first-leg lead, Toure’s squad is expected to control the tempo against a vulnerable Georgian side.

The Red Eagles struggle with defensive discipline, which may pave the way for another straightforward victory and a secure passage to the third qualifying round for the Slovak champions.