Larne FC vs St Josephs Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 12/07/2022, 11:23  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 12/07/2022 at 12:40 in Conference League Predictions

Larne from Northern Ireland will be looking to make it to the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. They host St Joseph's from Gibraltar in this second leg after drawing the away first leg 0-0. A tough task awaits the winners of this tie as they will play Sparta Prague in the next round. Larne are playing in European football for only the second season. In 2021/22 they reached the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. Wins came against Bala Town and AGF Aarhus before losing 4-1 on aggregate to Portuguese Primeira League side Pacos de Ferreria. They won the home leg of that tie 1-0 and their three home European ties have produced three victories. The loss in Portugal is the only one they have suffered in their seven European ties. Their last three home games (the last two of the 2021/22 season and a friendly against TNS) have all been won without conceding.

St Joseph's have it all to do if they wish to get into the next round. They are a distant third in the Gibraltar National league, 12 points behind second placed Europa FC and 23 adrift of leaders Lincoln Red Imps. Whether they'll be in the Europa Conference League next season is up in the air at present with just a two-point lead over Magpies. They first played in European competitions in the 2017/18 season and have only ever won one tie. They beat Prishtina in the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Europa League. Their home win is the only victory they have had in 12 games with two draws and three losses (two seeing them concede six goals) on the road. Back Larne to win this and get that tough second qualifying round tie.