Prediction: Linfield vs The New Saints

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

While domestic football is largely still out of action across Europe, the start of July means we’re heading for the qualifiers of several different competitions – including the UEFA Champions League. The competition is still in the incredibly early stages but teams will still back themselves to cause a few surprises, including Linfield and The New Saints.

Linfield

Linfield made hard work of their title win last season but just about managed to pip Cliftonville to the post, taking the crown for the fourth straight campaign. With a win over World Cup hosts Qatar under their belt and a fanbase that believes they need to be aiming higher in Europe, we expect to see them coming out fighting in a big way tomorrow.

The New Saints

The New Saints are competing at this level for the first time in three years and in last week’s first leg, you could tell they had to shake up some early rust – but once they got into the swing of things it was as if they’d never left. They won the Cymru Premier by 21 points last season and that’s the kind of dominant energy we expect to see them carry forward here.

Factors to Consider

• TNS won the first leg of the tie 1-0 on July 5.
• Linfield have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• TNS have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Linfield have scored five goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• TNS have scored 16 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

From a quality perspective we just think that New Saints have the edge on Linfield, although the added incentive of an excited crowd should add to the drama here. We can see the visitors taking the lead on the counter before being pegged back in the second half, leading to a pretty fun back and forth – but in the end, it’ll be a full-time draw that sends the Welsh side sailing through.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport