- Team form: Paide are in form, coming into the game undefeated in their last five (W3, D2) and are expected to arrive in Lithuania confident.
- Home record: Hegelmann are solid at home, but have been unconvincing lately, posting a series of draws in Lithuania and drawing their last two.
- Match preview: Paide have a solid away record to support their favorite status in this UEFA Conference League qualifier, but Hegelmann are set to be a tough to beat.
Paide are the pick to take the first leg
A tight Conference League qualifying match is on the cards when Paide Linnameeskond make the trip to Lithuania to face FC Hegelmann Litauen Kaunas on Thursday. The Estonian outfit are the favorites here at 2.05, which seems a little rich to us with the hosts available at 3.4 and the draw at 3.4.
The momentum is definitely with Paide after their unbeaten run and they should carry some confidence into the home of the Lithuanians. Paide have scored 1.40 goals per game away from home across all competitions this season and conceded an average of 1.20, which means their profile is pretty neat and they have the sort of attributes to compete against the hosts.
Hosts will make it a tough night for Paide
Recent form and home record
- Mikel Aramburu's Hegelmann side have drawn their last two, losing 2-0 at Banga Gargzdai before a 1-1 draw at FK Panevezys.
- They are stubbornly difficult to beat at home, unbeaten at home across all competitions with one win and four draws in five matches at Raudondvario stadionas.
- Hegelmann are a real draw specialists, having shared the points in four of their previous five games, so a win or draw for Paide and under 2.5 goals looks a solid option.
Tactical outlook and prediction
A clash of styles should ensue here with Hegelmann set up to be compact and structured, while Paide are more direct and will try to play on the break after a high press. It's a game that the visitors should take, but with the odds so close, it wouldn't be a surprise if the game finishes as a draw.
