Stjarnan v Levadia Tallinn: Europa League qualifier betting preview and tip

Kick-off 9pm Thursday

A qualifying showdown against Spanish giants Espanyol awaits the winner of this Europa League tie and Stjarnan are the pick to gain a first-leg advantage on home soil.

Both Stjarnan and Levadia are a distance through their domestic seasons. The Icelandic side lie fourth in their top flight after 12 games while the Estonians are second in the Meistriliiga after 19 rounds.

Aleksandar Rogic’s visitors are in free-scoring form and have won eight of nine away games in their league, which ought to boost their confidence for this trip to the town of Gardabaer.

Comparing countries of the stature of Iceland and Estonia isn’t that easy but given that their squads haven’t changed much from 12 months ago and that they are still coached by the same men, a look at last season’s Europa League is insightful.

Levadia, for the second season in a row, were undone by League of Ireland opposition at this stage of the competition, Dundalk their conquerors last summer.

Stjarnan, in contrast, went a round further courtesy of a comfortable two-legged success over Levadia’s compatriots Nomme Kalju, who they battered 3-0 at home.

A few weeks later Rune Sigmundsson’s men emphasised their knockout pedigree by winning the Icelandic Cup and in April added the Super Cup to their silverware collection.

Recommendation
Stjarnan
1pt 5-6 bet365

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport