Sheriff Tiraspol vs NK Aluminij Prediction 09.07.2026 | Europa League

Sheriff Tiraspol head into the opening round of their latest European campaign in confident spirits after making a solid start to the new Moldovan Super Liga season, comfortably dispatching newly-promoted Real Sireti 3-0 on the opening matchday before being forced to settle for a goalless draw away to Politehnica UTM in their second league outing.

A closer look at their recent form reveals just how impressive Sheriff have been defensively, as the Wasps have now strung together six consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, highlighting the organisation and discipline that have become the foundations of their encouraging run heading into this continental fixture.

As they look to lay down an early marker in Europe, Sheriff will also draw confidence from their formidable record on home soil, having emerged victorious in nine of their previous 10 matches in Tiraspol, where they have consistently turned their stadium into one of the most difficult venues for visiting sides.

Determined to bring an end to a three-year wait for domestic silverware while also re-establishing themselves on the European stage, the Yellow-Blacks underwent a significant squad overhaul during the summer, and several of their new arrivals are expected to be handed starting roles as they begin another bid for continental success.

Standing on the opposite side will be NK Aluminij, who secured their maiden appearance in UEFA competition in rather unexpected fashion after embarking on a historic domestic cup run, culminating in a narrow 1-0 victory over Brinje Grosuplje in the final to book their place on the continental stage for the very first time.

Unlike their Moldovan counterparts, the Slovenian outfit will enter Thursday's contest without any competitive action under their belts, as this high-stakes encounter marks their first official fixture of the 2026-27 campaign, and there is every chance that a lack of match sharpness could prove decisive against opponents with considerably greater European experience.

Although Aluminij's primary objective will be to return to Kidričevo with the tie still firmly alive, their recent preparations have done little to inspire confidence, as the Foresters failed to win any of their four pre-season friendlies, drawing twice and losing the other two while struggling to build any meaningful momentum ahead of their continental debut.

Head coach Jure Arsič has no injury concerns ahead of the trip to Moldova, leaving him with a full squad to choose from, while at least one of the club's summer arrivals is expected to feature from the opening whistle, with new signing Bede Osuji widely tipped to spearhead the visitors' attack.