Hungarian champions Ferencváros are set to host Welsh title-holders The New Saints in a crucial UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg on Tuesday evening. The match at Budapest’s Groupama Arena promises to be an intriguing clash between two sides aiming to progress further in Europe’s elite competition.
Team News and Projected Lineups
Ferencváros manager Pascal Jansen has a strong squad at his disposal but will be without star striker Barnabas Varga due to a facial injury sustained during Euro 2024. In Varga’s absence, Serbian forward Aleksandar Pesic is expected to lead the line.
Projected Ferencváros XI (4-3-3): Kehinde, Traore, A. Toth, Pesic, Cisse, Botka, Dibusz, Abu Fani, Knoester, Ramirez, Loncar
The New Saints boss Craig Harrison has no major injury concerns and is likely to field the same starting eleven that impressed in the previous round against FK Decic.
Projected TNS XI (4-3-3): Williams, Pask, Davies, Clark, Redmond, Smith, Young, Brobbel, Bodenham, Roberts, Daniels
Form Guide
Ferencváros come into this match unbeaten in their last six competitive fixtures, including a 2-2 draw against Premier League side West Ham United in a recent friendly. The Hungarian outfit have been particularly strong at home, winning five and drawing two of their last seven matches at the Groupama Arena.
The New Saints have been in scintillating form, losing just once in their previous 15 matches across all competitions. They dispatched Montenegrin side FK Decic 4-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Ferencváros and The New Saints, adding an element of unpredictability to the encounter. However, Ferencváros boast significantly more European experience, having reached the Europa League group stages last season.
Key Stats
- Ferencváros have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven home matches
- The New Saints have kept clean sheets in four of their previous six away games in European competition
- Ferencváros striker Aleksandar Pesic netted 14 goals in 30 league appearances last season
- TNS forward Brad Young has already scored three goals in two Champions League qualifying matches this campaign
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on various platforms depending on your location. In Hungary, M4 Sport will provide coverage, while S4C will televise the game for viewers in Wales. For international audiences, UEFA.tv may offer a live stream of the encounter.
Prediction
While The New Saints have shown they can compete at this level, Ferencváros’ European pedigree and home advantage make them clear favorites. The Hungarian side’s attacking firepower should prove too much for TNS to handle over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Ferencváros 3-1 The New Saints
The stage is set for an exciting Champions League qualifier as Ferencváros aim to take a significant step towards the next round, while The New Saints look to continue their fairytale European journey. Football fans can expect an entertaining spectacle when these two ambitious clubs collide in Budapest on Tuesday night.
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