Pyunik visit the Ortalyq Stadium on Thursday to face Ordabasy in the first leg of their Europa Conference League third qualifying round clash. The Armenian side are looking to return to the tournament proper after failing at this stage of the qualifiers last year.
Originally in the draw for the Champions League, Pyunik lost 1-0 to Dinamo Minsk in the first qualifying round and dropped into the qualifiers for the Conference League. They faced North Macedonia's Struga in the last round, losing the first leg 2-1 away before an incredible 3-1 comeback victory at home to prevail 4-3 on aggregate.
It kept their European hopes for the season alive, but their overall form doesn't inspire hope. That win has been their only in five official games so far this season, while losing and drawing twice each.
Meanwhile, Ordabasy saw a similar trajectory. Their Champions League qualifiers ended in a heartbreak against Moldova's Petrocub Hincesti to drop into the qualifying round for the Conference League. They overcame Luxembourg outfit Differdange 4-3 on penalties after the sides drew 4-4 on aggregate.
Ordabasy vs Pyunik Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides meet for the first time in history.
- Pyunik have faced two Kazakh sides in Europe before, winning just once in four clashes: a 1-0 win vs Tobol in the second round of the 2018-19 Europa League qualifiers.
- Ordabasy are unbeaten in their last three home games in Europe, drawing twice and winning once; that win came in their most recent home game: 4-3 vs Luxembourg's Differdange in the last round of the Conference League qualifiers.
- Pyunik are winless in their last three European qualifiers, losing twice and drawing once.
Ordabasy vs Pyunik Prediction
Pyunik have struggled away from home recently while their results so far this season haven't been convincing. They have won just once in five games in all competitions. Ordabasy aren't the most formidable side out there, but the Kazakh outfit are generally hard to beat at home, and will be relying on home support to take the lead in the tie here.
Prediction: Ordabasy 1-0 Pyunik
Ordabasy vs Pyunik Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Ordabasy to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No