Larne vs St. Gallen prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-06 20:00.
[p]Larne are flying the flag as Northern Ireland’s first-ever competitors in the main draw of a modern day European competition, although they haven’t done much to mark the occasion so far. The debutants come into this round of fixtures bringing up the rear in the UEFA Conference League table having lost both games, both concerningly by a three-goal margin. [/p]
[p]Recent form has certainly been a worry for the reigning NIFL Premiership champions, who are currently a whopping 11 points off the title pace in their domestic league, although they do have three games in hand. Recent form definitely hasn’t helped their title defence (W2, D1, L4), and in what is their first-ever game against Swiss opposition when they welcome St Gallen here, their quest isn’t helped by the fact they have to play their league phase home games at Windsor Park, as their own ground doesn’t meet UEFA requirements. [/p]
[p]That will certainly be a boost to St Gallen, who need all the help they can get given Larne are the only team keeping them off the foot of the Conference League table ahead of the round! The Swiss side are the only side in the competition this term to have conceded ten goals after two games, the small majority of which came in a 6-2 defeat to Cercle Brugge in their Conference League away game. [/p]
[p]That’s indicative of their form on the road in all competitions, where St Gallen are winless in four matches (D1, L3). The most concerning aspect in that run is that three of those games saw them get on the scoresheet, which would suggest a leaky back line is to blame for their demise on the road. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Chris Gallagher scored Larne’s landmark first goal in the Conference League proper and his scoring appearances usually bring entertainment as the last eight all witnessed over 2.5 goals. St Gallen’s Chadrac Akolo has scored in their last two games – none of his last 20 club goals have arrived later than the 65th minute. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: St Gallen’s last seven games in all competitions have seen both teams score.[/p]
[p]Written by Chris Wilson [/p]