FC Zurich vs Linfield Predictions

• FC Zurich beat Linfield 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying tie last week.
• Zurich have only lost three of their last 20 competitive games on home turf.
• Linfield have lost three consecutive matches to nil.

Zurich set for Europa progress

Having raced to the Swiss Super League title last term, FC Zurich have made a dreadful start to their 2022-23 domestic campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches, though European progress looks likely when they meet Linfield on Thursday. With the Northern Irish champions losing each of their last three contests, the hosts will be confident of victory.

Despite losing to Qarabag in the Champions League qualifiers recently, Zurich have a strong home record, losing just three of their last 20 matches on their own turf. The Swiss champions recorded a routine 2-0 victory in Northern Ireland in last week’s first leg, and with the visitors in poor form, should add to their advantage.

Indeed, Linfield have lost three consecutive matches to nil, including a humiliating 8-0 defeat at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League qualifiers a fortnight ago. David Healy’s team have scored just one goal in their last six competitive contests (excluding extra-time), and look unlikely to trouble the hosts here.

Linfield unlikely to land a blow

Given Linfield’s poor recent form, Zurich appear a strong bet to add to their first-leg advantage with another victory in Switzerland, and look likely to register a shutout win against a poor visiting attack.

Meanwhile, a repeat of last week’s 2-0 win for the Swiss champions looks a strong correct score prediction.