FK Baku – Mura 05.07.2012

The two sides played a friendly game in Slovenia just two weeks ago, with Baku winning the game 4-0, so it is perfectly clear who the favourites are here.

FC Baku have emerged as one of the richest and best clubs in Azerbaijan over the last few years and the club owners have been investing huge amounts of cash into the playing squad. The squad now boast players like Ibrahim Cargbo, Nenad Kovacevic, Deividas Cesnauskis, Winston Parks and Maris Verpakovskis, so nobody is surprised to see Baku priced as hot favourites to win this match. They finished last season in 6th place, albeit just 13 points behind champions Neftci, but they beat the same side to the Azeri Cup title and thus qualified for Europa League. The team have big ambitions in Europe and they will try to even reach the group stages, with the experience of their players likely to be a big advantage in the clash with Mura.

Match: FK Baku – Mura 18.00h
League: Europa League
Our prediction: Home Win Odds: 1.55
Bookmaker:  Bet365  –> Check all free bets here!

Mura finished last league campaign in 3rd place, 26 points behind champions Maribor, but the club have experienced major problems in the off season. After the player clashed with the president, they even threatened not to travel to Azerbaijan, but eventually opted against such a protest. Following the long journey, the Slovenian side only arrived to Azerbaijan late last night, meaning they won’t be able to conduct a training session at the match venue, which should affect their preparations for the game. Out of the entire Mura squad, only three players have ever taken part in European competitions and the lack of experience could prove to be a major issue when facing a side like Baku.

I believe that in this game the home team take advantage of the current instability of the guests while in their favor resolve this match without any trouble.