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The Crusaders host Haka at Seaview in the second leg of the first round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers on Thursday (July 20).
The tie is in the balance, as the first leg ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Finland last week. Four players got on the scoresheet, with Ross Clarke Crusaders equalizing midway through the second half shortly after Haka had been reduced to ten men.
Crusaders followed up the tie with a 3-1 defeat to Rangers B in a friendly match at the weekend. The Northern Irish side will turn their focus to hosting Haka in the Conference League qualifiers.
The winner of this tie will face Norwegian team Rosenborg in the second qualifying round.
Crusaders against Hakka head-on and key figures
- The clash that took place last week was the first meeting between the two sides.
- Haka is on an 11-match winless run across competitions, having lost six.
- Six of the Crusaders’ last seven competitive matches have produced at least three goals.
- Haka have lost their last six away matches, failing to score in four matches.
- Four of the Crusaders’ last five matches have produced at least three goals.
- Eight of the Crusaders’ last 12 home matches across the competition have seen at least one team fail to score.
- Haka competed in Europe for the first time since 2008.
Crusaders vs. Hakka sign
Haka is competing in Europe for the first time but rose to the occasion in front of its home crowd last week. The Finnish team will have a chance to extend their continental stay by winning away from home.
For their part, the Crusaders have the home advantage, and their chances of success are boosted by facing a winless Haka side in 11 matches. Furthermore, the visitors have lost their last six away matches, which does not bode well for their chances of success away from home.
The Crusaders started the first phase off the front foot and will be looking to quickly get out of the blocks again. Both sides are likely to score at the back of the net, but expect the hosts to claim a narrow win.
prediction: Crusaders 2-1 then
Crusaders vs Hakka betting tips
Tip 1 – Crusaders win
Tip 2 – Both teams to score
Tip 3 – More than 2.5 goals
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