Wednesday 23/07/2014, 20:30, Champions League Qualifiers, St Patrick's vs Legia Warsaw

St Patrick's vs Legia Warsaw Preview

St Patrick's did a great job in the first leg of the Champions League Qualifiers and came painfully close of winning the match on the road. They started as underdogs against Legia Warsaw but didn't let that have a deterring effect on their resolve and they played some offensive football in the first half. The Polish side managed to level the score in the final minutes of the game and now they need to score again on the road to keep their qualification dreams alive.

St Patrick's vs Legia Warsaw Odds

At Bet365

St Patrick's 4.40, Draw 3.70, Legia Warsaw 1.66

St Patrick's vs Legia Warsaw Tips

St Patrick's was struggling ahead of the first leg and had won a single match in five rounds, so everyone expected a lopsided victory for the hosts. Manager Buckley fielded a defensive minded formation, with a single striker, but even though he found himself stranded in the offense, Fagan scored the first goal.

For much of the first half, the hosts looked toothless and disoriented by the offensive prowess of St. Patrick's, but they eventually regained control. The last 45 min. were played in a single direction but the Irish side proved to be very resilient and Clarke deflected plenty of shots.

The lack of experience and the relentless attacks coming from the home side led to a late equalizer, but even so, St. Patrick's is very much alive in the qualification race. Defending for 90 min. in front of their fans is not a valid option, so tonight Fagan will pair up with Quigley. The latter has only scored one goal in 12 games, but finding a way to the net tonight would mean a great deal for the home side.

The visitors are unlikely to repeat the errors committed in the first leg and won't allow the Irish side to establish a permanent position in their own half. The problem is that even though Legia used three strikers in both recent games, they scored a single goal with a great deal of luck.

Key Facts

• Forrester is the player to watch for tonight, as the offensive midfielder has scored eight goals for St. Patrick's
• Legia Warsaw failed to win any of the last four games and has scored an average of one goal per match.

St Patrick's vs Legia Warsaw Prediction

The visitors start with the first chance to win, but after their mediocre display in the first leg, it is hard to back them at these odds. St. Patrick's would gladly settle for a draw if opportunity arises, which makes the under 2.5 goals to be scored the best choice for punters.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.80 with Bet365