Minnows FC Vardar take on Rosenborg in the Europa League next week, with both teams having struggled in Group L so far. Despite neither side now able to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition, the duo are expected to play out an entertaining clash in Macedonia, with games involving the teams so far having produced a massive 36 goals.
Europa League – Philip II Arena, Skopje – Thursday 7th December – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Skybet |
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FK Vardar Skopje
Rosenborg TrondheimMatch Preview
FC Vardar host Norwegian champions Rosenborg in the Europa League next week, with the duo both hoping to give their supporters something to shout about after disappointing campaigns in Group L. With the home having lost all five of their encounters in the competition so far this season, it is Rosenborg who are the favourites for victory, however a close encounter is certainly expected at the Phillip II Arena in Skopje. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off, be sure to check out our top betting tip and predictions below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
FK Vardar Team News & Form
The home side come into this match off the back of a comfortable win against rivals Akademija Pandev in the Macedonian top-flight over the weekend, a result which leaves them second in the standings, still with two games in hand over their rivals. Meanwhile, a 2-1 defeat against Zenit St. Petersburg last week in Russia means that they have now failed to earn a single point in Group L so far, with manager Čedomir Janevski looking for his experienced players to step up when they take to the field against Rosenborg.
Rosenborg Team News & Form
Rosenborg lost narrowly to Odd in Norway over the weekend, however Kåre Ingebrigtsen’s side still sit top of the standings, with a seven point cushion over their closest rivals. The Norwegian giants lost at home to Real Sociedad in front of their home fans in the Europa League last week, with their only success in the competition to date coming against Vardar back in September. Despite the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Captain Mike Jensen being available, the visitors may well rest some of their star names for their trip to Macedonia, with Rosenborg hoping to claim the Norwegian title over the coming weeks.
Head to Head
Rosenborg’s 3-1 win over FK Vardar in Norway earlier on in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away team in Macedonia next week, their performances so far in Europe this season means that it is Rosenborg who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the Norwegian side for the win for can take advantage of odds of 7/2 from Ladbrokes, while the home side are priced at 17/20 from William Hill.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Rosenborg to keep a clean sheet in Macedonia, which is available at a price of 9/4 with Ladbrokes ahead of kick-off.