Under the midsummer lights of Nakchivan City Stadium, Araz host Aris Thessaloniki in the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League. While neither side arrives in imperious form, this tie presents a fascinating clash of narratives: the Azerbaijani upstarts, led by Elmar Bakhshiyev and spurred on by their passionate home support, face a Greek unit in need of continental redemption under Marinos Ouzounidis.
Keep an eye on Araz’s creative midfielder (often the conductor of their transitional attacks) and Aris’ energetic winger, who poses a constant threat down the flanks with his pace and direct running—both have been instrumental in shaping their team’s offensive patterns. Goalkeepers aside, these two could well decide the fine margins on the night.
Indeed, the “hot stat” from recent match play is Araz’s inspired 3-2 home win over Turkish powerhouses Trabzonspor—a result that shows this side’s ability to defy expectations, especially on home soil.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 (Second Qualifying Round) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Nakchivan City Stadium, Nakchivan |
| 🗓️ Date: | 24.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Araz vs Aris Thessaloniki prediction
Given Aris Thessaloniki’s superior win percentage across 2025 (45% to Araz’s 28%) and their more challenging slate of opponents, the Greeks enter as slight favourites. Yet, Araz’s recent heroics at home—evidenced by their scalp of Trabzonspor—suggest they possess both the spirit and tactical nous to trouble visitors with even greater reputations.
Expect a cagey affair initially, with Araz likely to invite pressure and seek quick breaks—especially through their key playmaker. Aris, on the other hand, tend to build patiently but have been susceptible defensively in away matches, risking overexposure if the midfield screen is breached. Both teams see an average of 2 or more goals per game in European play, but discipline and tactical fouling have informed their recent fixtures, visible in moderate to high yellow card counts and frequent stoppages.
Crunching the numbers, an Asian Handicap (Aris 0) or even Draw No Bet (Aris Thessaloniki) looks like outstanding value, given both the away side’s higher squad quality and Araz’s inconsistent defensive record. For goals, the line tilts toward Over 2.5—neither backline has been water-tight, and the stakes could see the match open up if the deadlock breaks early.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Aris Thessaloniki (Draw No Bet) |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Araz Recent Games:
Araz’s most recent contest, a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Trabzonspor, illustrates this team’s attacking bite and unpredictability. Despite previously falling short to Konyaspor (1-2) and sharing a stalemate with Alanyaspor (0-0), this group demonstrated they can capitalise on defensive lapses and punish teams under pressure. However, the defensive frailties exposed by Konyaspor remain a concern, and their reliance on home momentum is patent. Inconsistency lingers, but when their transitions click, goals can come in bursts.
Aris Thessaloniki Recent Games:
Aris Thessaloniki, meanwhile, have endured a rough patch: three consecutive defeats (2-3 to AZ Alkmaar, 0-1 to Anderlecht, 1-3 to Livingston). The pattern? Defensive lapses and occasional struggles to break down organised defences, despite spells of sustained possession and a healthy shot tally. Their earlier league form was stronger, with notable victories over Asteras Tripolis and a competitive draw against OFI Crete, but continental play has exposed holes in their backline. The squad’s resilience is under scrutiny, and Marinos Ouzounidis will demand a compact shape away from home to stifle Araz’s creativity and restore confidence.
🚨Read our full Araz vs Aris Thessaloniki stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Aris Thessaloniki the favourite
- Moneyline Araz 3.50 | Aris Thessaloniki 2.09
- Draw 3.36
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.01 | Under 2.5 1.79
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.97 | No 1.85
With Aris Thessaloniki priced at nearly even money for the away win, the bookmakers clearly give preference to the Greek club’s higher pedigree and continental experience. Yet, the odds on Araz remain inviting for those who believe in home upsets—especially given the momentum from their recent win. Over 2.5 goals offers value considering both sides’ defensive wobbliness, and BTTS is a smart play, with attacking output expected on both ends.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Araz possible starting eleven
- GK: Nematov
- DF: Jafarov, Alaskarov, Sadigov, Hasanzade
- MF: Huseynli, Aliyev, Garayev
- FW: Maharramli, Pashayev, Mammadov
Given Bakhshiyev’s preferred 4-3-3 and recent appearance data, expect a solid back line marshaled by Nematov, with fullbacks urged to support on the overlap. Garayev should link the lines, while Maharramli will be tasked with spearheading counters—a player to watch for his ability to exploit open space when Araz break at pace.

Aris Thessaloniki possible starting eleven
- GK: Cuesta
- DF: Brabec, Fabiano, Velez, Montoya
- MF: Mancini, Matilla, Gray
- FW: Moron, Palma, Andre Gray
Marinos Ouzounidis will likely deploy a 4-3-3, featuring the experienced Cuesta between the sticks and a defense anchored by Brabec and Fabiano. Mancini’s box-to-box aggression could prove vital in midfield transitions, while Palma and Andre Gray offer directness and goal threat—both should test the Araz defence.
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Aris Thessaloniki. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
The Verdict
This one has the makings of a thoroughly entertaining continental tie. While Aris Thessaloniki boast the higher pedigree and, on paper, look the safer bet, Araz have already proven themselves giant-killers at home. Our main pick is Aris Thessaloniki Draw No Bet, balancing their squad quality with respect for Araz’s home prowess. Look for both teams to get on the scoresheet in a frenetic, back-and-forth contest, and do not blink if Araz try to rattle the Greeks early with their energetic transitions.

