Differdange FC 03 vs TNS Predictions

• Differdange take a 1-0 lead into the second leg in Luxembourg
• The New Saints have struggled to score in Europe this summer
• TNS have kept only one clean sheet in their last five competitive away matches

TNS face uphill task after home setback

The New Saints’ European hopes hang by a thread after they fell to a 1-0 defeat against FC Differdange 03 at Park Hall in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier.

Craig Harrison’s side started brightly but couldn’t turn early promise into goals, and the Cymru Premier champions were eventually undone eight minutes before the break when Artur Abreu finished well after a clipped ball over the top. TNS thought they had snatched a late equaliser, but a close-range effort from Aramide Oteh was ruled out for offside, meaning they enter the return leg with everything to do.

TNS will need to be braver going forward in Luxembourg, especially as their away performances in recent European campaigns have been patchy. They went out of the Champions League qualifiers at the first hurdle, 2-1 on aggregate and have kept just one clean sheet in their last six away contests abroad.

Differdange don’t usually lose at home

The visitors to Stade Municipal de la Ville de Differdange will have to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to rescue the tie against the champions of Luxembourg. Differdange bounced back well from their own Champions League exit at the hands of Drita, behind a well-drilled back line and some incisive movement in attack.

They have lost only one of their last five home European ties with three of them finishing level after 90 minutes. A low-scoring draw looks a solid play for this return leg, despite TNS’ determination to push hard for a goal.

Differdange’s discipline and home advantage should see them through to the next round on the back of a 1-1 draw.