Aluminij vs Sheriff Tiraspol prediction 16.07.2026 | Europa League

Aluminij have traveled between the first and second tiers in the past few seasons. Last year, they surely had one of their best seasons ever, given the fact that they finished in 7th place with 36 points in 34 rounds. However, by winning the cup, they made the season historic, securing their first-ever major trophy and European Qualifiers. 

During the offseason, the club has been active in the transfer market. Still, we believe they got slightly worse, and it will be very challenging for them to be as good as last season. Their best goalscorer, Behar Feta, best central defender, Aleksandar Zeljkovic, and first-choice goalkeeper all left the team, and it will be hard to replace them. 

Sheriff Tiraspol, the 20-time Moldovan champs, finished second last season, six points away from the top spot. However, by winning the Cup title, they somewhat saved the season. This season, they are entering as one of the main candidates for the title, and have already won seven points in the first three rounds in the domestic league. 

Even though they have constantly played in European Qualifiers in recent years, they have had very little success. They advanced to the 2nd round in the previous two years, but were easily eliminated there and then eliminated in the 3rd round of the Conference League Qualifiers as well. For the Aluminij duel, they are the favorites to advance, with the odds around 1.5. However, that won't be an easy task, given the fact that they lost eight of the past nine road European games.