As of late, the Azerbaijani powerhouse FC Qarabag has been unstoppable, winning three in a row. Midfielder Vugar Asadov has been on fire recently, scoring three goals in as many games, while goalkeeper Rustam Asadov has been rock solid in goal, allowing just one goal in each of their three wins. According to these numbers, Qarabag is now the clear favorite, with odds of 1.65 offered by bookmakers.
However, Malmo FF has also been outstanding, going undefeated in their last four matches. The Swedish team’s defensive excellence has been a key component of their recent success, as they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four games. Robin Olsen, a well-drilled defense and goalkeeper, played an outstanding role in Malmo’s success. Olsen has been selected Man of the Match three times in his past four games.
Qarabag’s home-field advantage may heavily influence the match’s dynamics. However, Malmo’s impeccable defensive record and streak of shutouts could nullify this. The lack of previous head-to-head matches between the teams further complicates any attempt to extrapolate results from previous results. On the other hand, the potential impact of suspensions or injuries might swing the game in any way, adding an element of unpredictability.
I’m picking Qarabag to win against Malmo FF in a nail-biter. Considering the -0.25 Qarabag Asian Handicap, I think Qarabag will come out on top in this match. However, the margin of victory could not be more than one goal, so it’s a tough bet for handicap fans.