Maribor vs Botev Plovdiv Prediction: 18/7/2024

Maribor and Botev Plovdiv will clash at Ljudski vrt on Thursday evening, with a place in the Europa League second qualifying round on the line. Despite a 2-1 defeat in Bulgaria, Maribor’s initial performance was commendable. With no new injuries to report, Ivorian striker Etienne Beugre might be a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup.

Botev Plovdiv, meanwhile, is determined to protect their narrow lead in this second leg. However, their reputation for weak performances on the road casts doubt on their ability to disrupt Maribor’s hopes at home. For Botev, Nikola Iliev, a promising Bulgarian midfielder who scored as a substitute in the first leg, is likely to be considered for the starting lineup. Conversely, Maribor’s defense will need to contain Anthony Ujah, a seasoned Nigerian forward with experience at clubs like Koln, Werder Bremen, Mainz, and Union Berlin.

The match is predicted to end with a 2-1 victory for Maribor.