Chikhura Sachkhere goalkeeper sends stark warning to Aberdeen

Chikhura Sachkhere keeper Dino Hamzic has sent a warning to Aberdeen ahead of their Europa League tussle.

The Dons will face the Georgian side in round two of the Europa League qualifiers. They are Derek McInnes’ side’s next challenge, having already progressed past Finnish side RoPS in the first round.

Aberdeen got past RoPS. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)

Hamzic believes though that home advantage will play right into his side’s hands, with the belief that the Red Army will crumble in Georgia.

He told the Evening Times: “Aberdeen are a historic club and they are the favourites in this tie but we approach the fixture with belief. We have strength when we play in our own country, in front of our own fans and we want to give everyone the right result.

“The main thing is to have a good strategy, play our own game and fight until the end. We will do that and try to get a positive result to take to Scotland a week later.”

Aberdeen shouldn’t worry about Chikhura home advantage

Home advantage would be a thing to consider for this tie, if Chikhura were playing at home. Even though on paper it’s their home leg, they’re actually playing hours away from their stadium.

This is where Aberdeen will face Chikhura. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

They usually play their matches at the Central Stadium in Sachkhere, which holds 2,000. That ground does not meet the required standard to host a Europa League match.

Instead, Chikhura and Aberdeen will face off in the country’s national stadium in Tblis. It’s called the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena and is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Sachkhere.

Since the 2014/15 season also, Aberdeen have lost just once away from home at this stage. That was last year to Premier League side Burnley, who have superior resources and finances.