Halkbank Ankara - Volley Civitanova predictions and free betting tips [21/02/2024]

The first quarter-final games are underway and such an event cannot be missed. Let's start with a game set to take place in Ankara, in the "Halkbank" sports complex, where the eponymous team will face Italian "Lube Civitanova". Last season, the clubs met at this same round and it was only thanks to a golden set that "Halkbank" progressed further. Let's see what this face-off holds, although again, it is unclear who will be the major favourite in the battle for the semi-finals. 

Halkbank

The Turkish club is in excellent condition, improving with each match; hence it is considered a marginal favourite in the contest against Italian "Lube Civitanova".

In Efer's League, Slobodan Kovac's volleyball players are leading, having outpaced “Fenerbahce", albeit just by 2 points. Aside from that, "Halkbank" has the opportunity to win the Turkish Cup. The Ankara-based club has achieved much in the Champions League. Kovac's team had a hard time getting out of the group, but that shouldn't be surprising considering the tough opponents, apart from "Benfica". In the 1/8 finals, "Halkbank" passed "Kedzierzyn-Kozle" from Poland, losing the first game of the face-off with a score of (2:3), then winning at home (3:0) in the return match. 

"Halkbank" has a strong selection of volleyball players capable of aiming to win all the trophies in the season. Of the main players, Ervin Ngapet deserves a mention, with the addition of the not-too-shabby John Gordon Perrin, but overall, the whole team operates in harmony and there is almost no criticism to be made. "Halkbank" is the favourite for the first match against "Lube Civitanova", but the opponent is tough and highly variable, so even on their own court, Slobodan Kovac's volleyball players will have to play all their trump cards.

Lube Civitanova

The Italian club gained ground in the SuperLega, nonetheless, it trails behind "Perugia" and "Trentino" in the regular season. Despite a comfortable position in the championship table, Gian Lorenzo Blengini's volleyball players are striving in every SuperLega game.

In the Champions League group, "Lube Civitanova" took first place. However, to be fair, the Italians came up against simple opponents, against whom they generally managed to play the role of favourite. Lube Civitanova is well-equipped. For instance, Mattia Bottolo has been playing effectively; Alexander Nikolov is consistently good and Ivan Zaytsev intermittently plays powerfully, although he often isn't at his very best.

In the first match against "Halkbank", the Italians need to strategise more and try to surprise the opponent, otherwise we will see an all-too predictable victory for the Turkish team.

Prediction for the match: Halkbank - Lube Civitanova

I will place a bet on the negative handicap of Halkbank. At a minimum, the Turkish outfit should win this match 3:1.