- The bookies make DAC Dunajska slight favourites at 1.92, ahead of FK Velez Mostar at 3.83 with the draw priced at 3.75.
- FK Velez Mostar are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season, W3 D1 in 4 matches, conceding just 3 goals.
- DAC Dunajska have struggled away in all competitions, W1 D1 L3 in 5 matches, but have scored 5 goals on the road.
DAC have the slight edge in what should be a cagey encounter
DAC Dunajska have the upper hand in this UEFA Conference League qualification clash after a 1-0 victory over FK Velez Mostar in the first leg last week and the return leg is likely to be a similar, tight affair.
The visitors are in fine form having won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 in all competitions. Their previous two games saw them beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in a friendly at home, followed by the 1-0 win over Velez here, so they will be looking to keep their momentum going on Thursday.
Bosnian champions Velez are also in reasonable form but not quite as strong as their visitors. Their previous pair of games was a 1-0 win away at FC Milsami Orhei in the UEFA Conference League qualification stage, which was followed by a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at DAC, so they are looking for a response here.
Misfit styles could lead to a midfield chess match
The game is likely to be a chess match, with two contrasting styles likely to bring a cagey, possession-versus-transition battle where the control of the midfield will decide who lands the bigger hits.
Ibrahim Rahimic has Velez set up to play patient, possession-based football, with selective pressing and more of a focus on wide overloads and set-pieces. Robert Klauss has set his DAC side up to be a more direct, vertical side that presses proactively and tries to hit the space quickly.
With the visitors looking the sharper of the two teams and Velez's strong home record, Velez will fancy their chances of making a comeback. But this could be a grind rather than a walkover.
The match result market seems to have DAC in the correct position, but we will take the underdog to avoid defeat at 3.83 as our primary wager. A low-scoring, nervous affair seems likely and there is value in under 2.5 goals at 1.9 and both teams to score: no at 1.98.
Gagua’s goal power is Dunajska’s biggest weapon
Giorgi Gagua is the danger man for Dunajska. The Georgian has 1 goal in 1 UEFA Conference League qualification match and 4 goals in their last 5 games. Aldin Mesic leads the scoring for Velez in this competition with 1 goal in 3 appearances and looks likely to be their main finishing outlet on Thursday.
DAC have the edge in terms of form but Velez are more secure in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so we're expecting this match to be a tense affair.
