The Champions of Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland get their European campaigns underway this evening. And the good news is they’re only 20 matches away from the final in Istanbul in May!
At least one British side will be present in the next qualifying round though, as Welsh side, The New Saints, who actually play in Shropshire, face the semi-pros of Linfield from Belfast.
TNS were desperatly unlucky not make it to the Play-off round of the Europa Conference League last season. After disposing of Northen Irish side Glentoran, they then hammered Lithunians, Kauno Žalgiris, 10-1 on aggregate to set-up up a clash with Viktoria Plzeň. The Czech’s had been a Champions League group side just two seasons earlier and left the Cardiff City stadium with 4-2 defeat courtesy of two very late goals. A 3-1 home win for the Czech side took it to penalties and it was TNS who’s hearts were broken.
They cruised to the Cymru Premier League title though, 21 points ahead of Bala Town, suffering just one defeat at home. Former Dunfermline striker, Declan McManus top scored with 24 goals.
Linfield lost out to opposition from Luxembourg at the same stage as TNS and they’ve struggle to make an impact in European football for many season. David Healy’s side did win their fourth consecutive title however, by a single point, just edging rivals Cliftonville at the top of the table.
If The New Saints’ performances in Europe last season are anything to go by they should be worthy favourites at 20/21 tonight to take a first leg lead over to Belfast.
Irish Champions, and current league leaders, Shamrock Rovers should enjoy a comfortable win over Hibernians of Malta in Tallaght. The visitors’ European record is abysmal, they’ve won just 14 of 76 European ties, although they have bettered teams from San Marino, Liechtenstein and Estonia in recent years. Rovers should be a cut above and although 3/10 to win look to add them to score a couple of goals in the process to boost the odds.
Elsewhere a Treble of Cluj, Malmo and Ludogorets pays 6/5
Super Single
- The New Saints to win 20/21 SBK
Match Previews & Tips
- Tue 00:00 Orlando City v DC United
- Tue 02:00 FC Dallas v Inter Miami
Wimbledon Tips
We’re approaching the business end at SW19 and have four quarter finals to look forward to today as four mane and four women battle for a place in the semi-finals.
- Djokovic V Sinner (Centre Court)
- Bouzkova V Jabeur (Centre Court)
- Maria V Niemeier (Court 1)
- Goffin V Norrie (Court 1)
British hope Cameron Norrie is in The Ace’s sights as he aims to keep his amazing run going and book his place in the last four.
Racing Tips
Rizzel likes the chances of two favourite at Pontefract for Tuesday’s racing.
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
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