Thanks to the introduction of the Europa Conference League, Europa League qualifying starts at the third round stage this season.
One of the ties we have to look forward to is between Linfield FC and FC Zürich, with the first leg taking place on the 4th of August at Windsor Park in Northern Ireland.
Danke für die wie immer grossartige Unterstützung in St.Gallen! 🔵⚪️#fcz #stadtclub #NieUsenandGah pic.twitter.com/Fyj2oOoZ6Y— FC Zürich (@fc_zuerich) July 30, 2022
Danke für die wie immer grossartige Unterstützung in St.Gallen! 🔵⚪️#fcz #stadtclub #NieUsenandGah pic.twitter.com/Fyj2oOoZ6Y
Linfield FC come into the game on the back of an 8-0 thumping at the hands of Bodø/Glimt in the second round of Champions League qualifying.
Linfield FC had put themselves in an advantageous position thanks to their 1-0 in the home leg of the tie and would have been thinking about an upset.
However, having conceded an early goal and had a player sent off in the 20th minute, things went downhill rapidly. Linfield FC were 4-0 down at half time and conceded another 4 goals in the second half.
However, Linfield FC will take heart from their home performances in Champions League qualifying this season. Not only did they beat Bodø/Glimt 1-0 at home but the beat Welsh champions, TNS 2-1 after extra time in the first round of the competition.
Trends show Linfield FC have won 3 of their last 4 home Europa League matches. The victories have come over HB, Sutjeska, and Qarabag. Linfield FC have kept only 1 clean sheet from their 6 most recent home Europa League fixtures.
FC Zürich make the trip to Windsor Park having been eliminated from the Champions League by Qarabag at the second qualifying round stage.
The first leg ended in an entertaining 3-2 win for Qarabag in Azerbaijan and FC Zürich took only 4 minutes to get level on aggregate in the second leg.
Having conceded an equaliser, FC Zürich scored a second in the 90th minute but Qarabag scored the decisive blow 8 minutes later to progress in dramatic fashion.
That result means FC Zürich have played 5 competitive fixtures this season and have yet to record a win. Following their elimination from the Champions League last week, FC Zürich played St Gallen away in the Swiss Super League and lost 2-0.They currently sit bottom of the table having picked up 1 point from a possible 9.
Trends show FC Zürich have recorded only 1 win from their 11 most recent away Europa League games.
Team news and Linfield FC have lost top goal scorer from last season, Christy Manzinga. Pressure will be on the experienced midfield duo of Jimmy Callacher and Jamie Mulgrew to perform.
FC Zürich have also lost their top scorer from last season as Assan Ceesay has left the club. Antonio Marchesano will be the main danger in terms of goals for the visitors.
Linfield FC have produced some good results when playing at home in Europe. We expect to see both teams score in this game but FC Zürich could prove tough to beat for the hosts and this one could end level.