Europa Conference League Preview: Newtown -v- Dundalk

NEWTOWN

Newtown will be hoping that they reel in Dundalk’s four-goal advantage in the Europa Conference League at Park Hall on Tuesday evening (kick-off is at 5.45pm).

Newtown will have to play the game away from their home venue due to their ground not meeting UEFA regulations.

The Welsh outfit were swatted aside by the Lilywhites last time out, but they will be hoping that ‘home’ advantage can help them reduce their four-goal deficit.

They did however have a number of Covid-19 related issues at play before kick-off, and had not played a competitive game in over a month.

This will be their first home European game since the visit of Copenhagen to Wales to take them on.

They lost that game against the Danes 3-1 at home, losing 5-1 on aggregate in the end.  

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to build on last week’s comprehensive 4-0 home win over Newtown when they visit the Welsh side in the second-leg at Park Hall in Oswestry.

The Lilywhites eased to victory over their Welsh opponents last week at Oriel Park, and manager Vinny Perth is hoping that his charges can build on a commanding win last time out.



“We are operating off the same squad as last week,” Perth said.

“We are down six senior players at the moment, but we have a nice blend of experience and youth. It’s a good balance.

“There’s a great mood in the camp, there’s a great vibe the past few weeks.

“We are here for serious business; we are looking forward to the game tomorrow and we are aiming to get the win.”

Midfielder Will Patching added: “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster two years for me.

“Last year I was in and out of the team, but since I’ve come back I think I’ve found my feet and hopefully I can kick on now.



“I enjoyed Derry, it gave me a platform and regular minutes which is what I needed so hopefully I can carry that on here.

“It was a good performance on Thursday but we’ve still got the second leg to play. We’re fully focused on the game and we’ll be wanting another win.”

In terms of team news for the Lilywhites, Patrick Hoban, Sean Murray and Cameron Dummigan are all unavailable.

Daniel Cleary and Brian Gartland remain long-term absentees, while Greg Sloggett is a doubt.

Referee: Andrei Chivulete (Romania).

 

MATCH STATS

Dundalk have only lost once since manager Vinny Perth returned to the club, a 3-1 defeat at Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers.

Newtown have lost their last two competitive games on the spin at home, although Tuesday’s game will not be played at their home venue due to it not reaching UEFA standards.

Dundalk have scored in four of their last five away European games, with the only time they drew a blank being against Arsenal in the Europa League group stages last season.

BETTING

Newtown 5/1; Draw 10/3; Dundalk 2/5.

PREDICTION

Newtown 0 - 2 Dundalk

 

Newtown

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

Dundalk

Injured: Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary.

Doubtful: Greg Sloggett.

Unavailable: Patrick Hoban, Sean Murray, Cameron Dummigan.

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