Zalgiris vs Pyunik Yerevan Prediction & Tips
With five games in hand on their nearest challengers and still nine points clear at the top of the A Lyga, Žalgiris should start focusing more on their participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL). Things have not been rosy for the Lithuanians in Europe, as they are winless so far this campaign (E1, P2), meaning a win here against Pyunik Yerevan is likely to be vital if they are to remain in the hunt to extend their European campaign into the knockout stages.
While their domestic league is almost over, Žalgiris now find another distraction in their European schedule, a Lithuanian Cup final against Hegelmann Litauen on Sunday. That may prompt coach Vladimir Cheburin to change his lineup a bit, but with just one loss in their last six home games at continental level (G2, E3), that would be a bit foolish, as Žalgiris could resurrect their European campaign with victory.
With a record 15 Armenian Premier League titles to their name, Pyunik Yerevan are perhaps surprised to find themselves currently on seven league points this campaign. At least their performance in the UECL group stage has served to redeem themselves somewhat (G2, P1) and being currently one of the group leaders, they know that another win over Žalgiris, following a 1-0 win last week, could see them go top if combined with a favorable result in the Basel fixture.
However, with no 90-minute wins in their last five away games (E1, P4), it is difficult to see Pyunik meeting that challenge. Addressing that poor away run is certainly among coach Yegishe Melikyan’s top priorities, but Pyunik have already achieved something that will go down in the history books by making their debut in a group stage at European level this season.
Players to watch: Mathias Oyewusi was the scorer of the goal that sent Žalgiris to the domestic cup final, and his two goals in Europe this season have opened the scoring. Artak Dashyan has been Pyunik’s away scorer in the UECL this campaign and his three goals this season have been his team’s first.
Key stat: Prior to this matchday, only one team has recorded fewer shots on target than Žalgiris’ four.
Zalgiris – Pyunik Yerevan FREE TIPS
Pyunik Yerevan – Win @ 3.25
