FC Noah have the tools to make life uncomfortable for a heavily rotated FC Sion side in this first-leg Conference League qualifier. Sion’s lineup shows five regulars missing — a clear signal Didier Tholot is managing a squad still finding its rhythm — which blunts their usual…
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Sign inFC Noah host FC Sion in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie on 6 August 2026. The match kicks off at 17:00 local time (16:00 UTC) at their Armaviri Hakob Tonoyani Stadium home in Armavir, a compact 3,300-capacity ground that will provide an intimate European setting.
The Armenian side earned their place in this round by overcoming Zimbru in the previous stage. Noah, a club that has steadily built its reputation in European competition, reached the Europa League playoff round in the 2020‑21 season and will now look to move one step closer to a Conference League group-stage debut.
FC Sion’s path to this tie was far more dramatic. The Swiss outfit lost 1-0 away to BATE Borisov in the second qualifying round, before storming to a 4‑1 home win in the return leg to advance 4‑2 on aggregate. That display of attacking power will give them confidence as they travel to Armenia, although the artificial surface and close confines of the Tonoyani Stadium represent a very different test.
Neither camp has reported any major injury concerns ahead of the first leg. Both managers are expected to field close to their strongest available XI, with Noah likely to start the same side that saw off Zimbru and Sion able to recall the goal scorers who turned the tie against BATE Borisov.
Where the contest could be won or lost is in central midfield. Noah rely on high-tempo pressing and swift transitions to unsettle opponents, while Sion’s experience in European away ties should enable them to slow the game down and pick their moments. Whichever midfield can establish control early in the Armavir heat is likely to take a crucial advantage into the second leg.
The return leg takes place at Sion’s Stade de Tourbillon a week later, on 13 August. The winners over both matches will progress to the Conference League playoff round, where a place in the group stage will be at stake. For now, though, all focus is on a fascinating first chapter in Armenia.
FC Noah
MID · 94' · 1 goal · 1 assist · 2 key passes · 4 shots (1 on target)
MID · 94' · 1 shot (1 on target)
99
MID · 67' · 1 goal · 1 shot (1 on target)
DEF · 94'
DEF · 62'
FC Sion
MID · 75' · 1 goal · 2 key passes · 1 shot (1 on target)
MID · 94' · 1 key pass · 1 shot
GK · 94'
MID · 60' · 1 goal · 1 assist · 1 key pass · 3 shots (1 on target)
DEF · 64' · 2 key passes · 1 shot (1 on target)
4
39
19
17
10
14
44
9
7FC Noah
Coach: Sandro Perkovic
FC Sion
Coach: Didier Tholot
