Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads begin their Champions League campaign as they host Armenian side Alashkert.
This year will mark Andy Morrison’s side’s sixth consecutive season in European football and will be hoping to replicate famous wins over Stabaek and Kilmarnock.
Opponents Alashkert are champions of the Armenian Premier League and have also tasted European football in recent campaigns.
Ahead of the Nomads’ clash at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue, we take a closer look at Alashkert and their players to watch.
Wangu Gome
Having signed for Alashkert in 2020 from South African side Cape Umoya United, Gome had a successful first season in the Armenian Premier League.
The midfielder scored a 92nd-minute winner in a dramatic 1-0 win over title rivals Urartu to end a run of three straight draws in a crucial result in the context of the Yellows’ campaign.
Despite being recognised for his defensive and tenacious qualities, Gome also contributed with goals, netting on four occasions to finish the season third in Alashkert’s top scorer’s list.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Namibian is also an experienced international, having made 27 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2014.
The pressure of European football will be nothing new to the midfielder, having had experience in last season’s Europa League First Qualifying Round defeat to North Macedonian side KF Renova.
David Davidyan
Paramount to the Nomads’ success in the tie at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue will be nullifying the danger of Alashkert’s David Davidyan.
The Russian-born Armenian international joined the Yellows in 2020 from fellow Armenian Premier League side Ararat Yerevan.
The attacker started his time with his new club by making an early impression, scoring a 91st minute winner in a 1-0 victory over title rivals Noah.
Operating as a right-winger, Davidyan went on to score seven goals in 26 appearances, finishing the season as the club’s top scorer.
Ahead of the clash with the Nomads, Davidyan recently finished second in the Football Federation of Armenia’s vote for the 2020-2021 Player of the Season.
Artak Grigoryan
A regular feature in the Alashkert side in recent seasons has been midfielder Artak Grigoryan.
Having signed for the club from FC Mika in 2015, he has gone on to become a four-time Armenian Premier League champion, along with winning two Armenian Super Cups and the Armenian Cup.
In the recent vote for the 2020-2021 Player of the Season, Grigoryan came out on top with 41% of the vote.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe defensive midfielder is also a full international, having made 35 appearances for Armenia, scoring once.
Grigoryan’s experience and leadership will be key for Alashkert and will be another to watch for the Nomads.
(Featured Image: Spetsnaz1991)
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