Qarabag FK vs Vestri prediction 09.07.2026 | Europa League Qualification

Qarabag return to European qualification after another strong domestic campaign in Azerbaijan.

Gurban Gurbanov’s side finished runners-up in the Misli Premier League having picked up victories in three of their last four games of the season including h a 4:3 win against Sumqayit, a and a comfortable 3:0 victory against Mil-Mugan FK.

However, the Horsemen have yet to play a competitive fixture this season, and they have struggled in pre-season. Qarabag lost 6:2 against Kharkiv in a disappointing warm-up fixture before a 1:0 defeat against Ferencvaros.

While expected to claim a comfortable first-leg victory, the hosts will need to pick up some form if they are to make good on bookies' short odds. 

The hosts have been dealt a blow with the impending departure of forward Camilo Duran. The Colombian striker is in Glasgow to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Scottish champions Celtic. 

Fellow South American Leandro Andrade is another key player to move on during the summer transfer window. 

Latvian midfielder Cebrail Makreckis is among the recent arrivals who could make their competitive debut for FK.

Vestri arrive in Azerbaijan with their domestic campaign already underway in Iceland.Daniel Osafo-Badu’s side were held to a 0:0 draw against Grindavik in their most recent 1.deild fixture.

The Icelandic visitors have been in solid form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last four games (W2, D2) while they have lost just one of their last seve league fixtures.

Vestri now sit fourth in the Iceland 1.deild standings, but Thursday’s European tie represents a major step up in class.

Still, with more recent competitive action, the Icelanders could prove tricky opponents for a Qarabag side yet to build any momentum in their pre-season fixtures.

Head coach Osafo-Badu has no reported injury issues. Sergine Fall and Petur Bjarnason are among the forward options available.