Sheriff Tiraspol and Partizan would be playing at a neutral ground and behind closed doors in the UEFA Europa Conference League. This is due to safety concerns and there would be no home advantage for either side. Sheriff Tiraspol would be looking to win their first European knockout tie ever but should they achieve that, they would have to do so without their home crowd. Partizan Belgrade is familiar with these competitions and would be looking to take the lead before the return leg next week.
The absence of home support means that Sheriff Tiraspol might have to wait a little longer for a first knockout win in European contests. Not only that but Partizan Belgrade is a better team and I'm betting on the Serbian side to win.
[1] Partizan Belgrade has a good history in the knockouts of the European competitions like the champions league and Europa League. They are playing in a more inferior competition where most of the teams they face are weaker than they are. The Serbians have a European Cup runners-up medal and they dumped out Sheriff Tiraspol the last time both teams met in 2005/06. Of course it isn't going to be an easy tie but with the hosts lacking much support, Partizan Belgrade should be able to come out on top.
[2] Sheriff Tiraspol hasn't won a single knockout game in European competitions. This record shows how far behind Sheriff Tiraspol is in relation to European football. They are a relatively new team with not so much quality and experience. Although they perform well in the Moldovan league, they find it very difficult to compete favourably against teams in the tougher leagues. Sheriff Tiraspol has lost their last three games in Europe, failing to score on all three occasions and conceding eight goals. Their league has not started, they are out of serious match experience which will make a difference in favor of Partizan.
There has been much talk of security about the game but it is set to go ahead after safety measures by the Moldovan government. It should be a very competitive game between both teams with a lot to play for but I'm predicting Partizan Belgrade to win.
