Pyunik – Zeta 05.07.2012

Armenian giants Pyunik play host to Montenegrin side FK Zeta in what should be a very interesting match in Yerevan.

The hosts are looking to create an advantage before the return leg, whereas their opponents hope to keep the tie alive before the match in Podgorica.

Pyunik are by far the most decorated club in Armenian football, having won 13 league titles and 4 cup trophies and the club have been very dominant on domestic stage over the last decade. After winning 10 straight league titles, they missed out on the trophy last season, finishing the league campaign in third place. The team had a poor start to the new season, but managed to return on the right track and they seem well prepared for this Europa League tie, especially as their domestic season is in full swing. Following several poor results, Pyunik have won last two games, scoring nine goals in the process, meaning they enter the Zeta game high on confidence. The Armenian giants currently boast a very young, but extremely talented squad, with 17-year-old striker Viulen Ayvazyan the most exciting player. The talented striker has already scored 7 league goals this season despite being handed his first start last weekend.

Match: Pyunik – Zeta  18.00h
League: Europa League
Our prediction: Draw no bet on Pyunik Odds: 1.67
Bookmaker:  Bet365  –> Check all free bets here!

Zeta finished last league campaign in 3rd place, beating Mogren to the final Europa League berth, but the team were not even close to entering the title race. Rade Vesovic’s side were pretty inconsistent last season, at times producing promising displays against top Montenegrin sides, but also recording some pretty disappointing defeats in the process. The club entered the new season with virtually unchanged squad, but they have only recently started the pre-season training and that could prove to be a problem. Team’s preparations for the Pyunik game were marred by several serious injuries, as a result of which the visitors arrive to Armenia without several key players.

First choice keeper Sasa Ivanovic is out with a broken leg, whereas important players Miroslav Klaudjerovic, Ivan Knezevic and top scorer Zarko Korac are also unavailable.

I believe the home team wants to make a good result for the second leg and I think that the advantage is on their side and therefore recommend the Draw no bet on the host.