Ararat-Armenia arrive at the Yerevan Football Academy with a spring in their step after a 1-1 draw with Sardarapat in the Armenian Premier League. That result, though, tells you everything about the ceiling of this squad. Tulipa's men are solid, organised, and hard to break down — but they are not blowing anyone away. They've grinded through Champions League qualifying, only to drop into the Europa League play-offs after that defeat to Celje. The Portuguese coach has a fully fit squad, which is a genuine boost, but fitness alone won't bridge the quality gap.

Craiova, meanwhile, come into this off the back of a domestic win over Otelul, with Steven Nsimba leading the line. They are a side built for European nights — physical, experienced, and used to grinding out results. The Romanian outfit have already navigated a tricky Conference League path this season, and they know how to manage a two-legged tie. They'll be confident, but not complacent. This is a team that smells blood when the opposition sits deep.