Crusaders v FC Haka

Crusaders vs Haka Preview

There's everything to play for in this 2nd leg tie between Northern Irish hosts, Crusaders, and their Finnish visitors, Haka, as the scores are still level heading into this return leg at Seaview following last week's entertaining 2-2 draw at Tehtaan kenttä and both teams will have an eye on a place in the next qualifying round of this season's UEFA Conference League.

Crusaders have played various club friendlies in preparation for this two-legged European affair with Haka which saw them suffer a heavy 4-1 defeat to Welsh club The New Saints but they did pick up wins against Larne (Irish Charity Shield) along with friendly victories over Ards and Dundela respectively.

However, just four wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions suggest Crusaders are not exactly nailed-on favourites to win this upcoming return leg despite holding home advantage at Seaview, but goals could certainly figure in this decisive tie as seven of Crusaders' last 10 matches have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Indeed, the goal theme has also continued on home soil as well in recent times as seven of Crusaders' last 10 home games have also resulted in three goals or more being scored and further goals look likely in this 2nd leg showdown.

Onto Haka and the Finnish club may well be thinking that they have missed the boat in terms of gaining an advantage following last week's 2-2 draw at Tehtaan kenttä and having now failed to win any of their last 11 matches overall, the visitors look to be up against it here in Belfast on Thursday night.

Six of these last 11 matches for Haka have resulted in defeats for the Finnish outfit and this also suggests that the likelihood of a straight win here for Haka seems highly improbable especially as all six losses were incurred on their travels as well!

Indeed, Haka have lost each of their last six away games on the trot while the bigger picture shows the visitors have managed to capture just two wins out of their last 17 outings on the road which doesn't fill one with much confidence in an away win here in this 2nd leg.

However, the goals market appeals again where Haka are concerned as seven of Haka's last 11 games have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored along with four of their last six away games also seeing three goals or more.

Crusaders v Haka Verdict

Another entertaining encounter between Crusaders and Haka looks likely then on Thursday night especially as the scores are still level and both teams fancying their chances of progressing through to the next round.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.92

Other side bets worth considering:

Crusaders win @ 2.22

Correct score: Crusaders 2-1 @ 11.00