The final qualifying games for all European competitions take place this week, and on Thursday, it is the turn of the Europa League and Europa Conference League. It is the first named of those we focus on here, and a tie that is set up perfectly, with everything to play for. Aberdeen host Hacken, the winner goes into the Europa League, the loser into the Europa Conference League, and the game is currently tied 2-2 from the first leg.
Aberdeen Form GuideWe saw an excellent away performance from Aberdeen last week, picking up a huge draw in Sweden. Although not having as much of the ball, they stood up well, had a few chances, and vitally, scored goals. After 70 minutes, they were 2-0 down in the tie, and looked to be heading out, but resilience was needed, and it was shown in huge loads.
That fight back will stay long in the memory, but the team know they need to come here and finish the job. At home, I expect them to have a lot more of the ball, with Hacken sitting back a little more, and Aberdeen have already shown us that when they have chances, they can take them.
Hacken Form GuideShould Hacken fail to win this tie and progress, there is no doubt their fans will be very unhappy given the position they were in. 2-0 up, cruising to a routine home success and then switching off, and allowing Aberdeen a route back into the game. It's now time to regroup and go again, but away in Scotland, that won't be easy.
Right at the end of the clash in Sweden, Hacken defender Johan Hammar was given a red card, so he will miss this game, just to make things slightly tougher for the visitors, on top of everything else they have to deal with.
Match PredictionSuch a big game, two sides who will both fancy their chances, and it is Aberdeen who I am going with to get the job done. A real spirited fight back saw them come here with a chance, I think they'll go hard again, finish the job and take their rewards, in front of their home fans.
