Connahs Quay v KA

Connah’s Quay vs KA Akureyri Preview

Following last week's 2-0 defeat away from home at KA Akureyri in the 1st leg of this 1st Qualifying Round of the UEFA Conference League, Welsh hosts, Connah's Quay face a mountain to climb if they're to win through at their Deeside College Stadium on Thursday night with a place in the next qualifying round up for grabs.

Since the end of last season's Welsh domestic campaign, Connah's Quay have played just two club friendlies ahead of the start of this Champions League campaign which ended in a 1-1 draw with Scottish side, Stranraer, followed by a 2-1 victory away from home at Linfield.

Interestingly, both teams have also scored in these friendlies and with home advantage behind them for this 2nd leg tie, Connah's Quay will fancy their chances of at least hitting the back of the net for this fixture as well, especially as the hosts find themselves 2-0 down.

Recent results overall though have been encouraging for the hosts as they have lost just three of their previous 15 matches in all competitions, while both teams have scored in nine of these 15 games as well (60%).

Finnish visitors, KA Akureyri will just be looking to avoid defeat here in Wales when they make their way to the Deeside College Stadium for this decisive leg of their two-legged encounter with Connah's Quay and with a two-goal advantage, the visitors know they do not have to take any immediate risks here.

However, recent results for KA have been pretty inconsistent as the away side have won five and lost five of their last 10 matches overall in all competitions so the prospects of a straight win for the visitors in this 2nd leg appear to hang in the balance.

Results away from home have seen KA slip to four defeats on the trot though and this may well give Connah's Quay reason to be upbeat about their chances in this return leg as KA have been dealt losses at Breidablik, Stjarnan, KR Reyjavik and IBV respectively.

With Connah's Quay limited pedigree at this level though, KA Akureyri may well fancy their chances of ending this losing streak on the road at the Deeside College Stadium.

Connah's Quay v KA Akureyri Verdict

Connah's Quay have no alternative but to be on the offensive from the kick-off as the hosts need to claw back at least one goal early on to give themselves a fighting chance of overcoming this two-goal deficit.

With the hosts expected to press forward, this is likely to expose Connah's Quay fragile defensive unit and KA Akureyri have already proved that they are capable of scoring goals.

Therefore, our main bet will be Both Teams To Score Yes @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.40

Correct score: 1-1 @ 7.00