Europa League preview: Malmo FF v Drogheda United

Upon entering the Swedbank Stadion media centre you’re immediately surrounded with mementos from Malmo’s illustrious history, trophies and pictures adorn the walls. However with such success comes great expectancy.

Although Malmo currently sit in second in the Swedish Allsvenskan, denied top spot by mere goal difference, there is very much the weight of expectancy hanging over the squad. Questions were asked about the omission of Malmo’s midfield maestro Simon Thern from the starting XI last week.

Malmo manager Rikard Norling was subjected an Alan Mathews-esque moment when he was confronted by angry fans after the game on Thursday night. Everyone in Sweden expected the tie to be done and dusted at this stage and yet, today in his pre-match press conference Mick Cooke sat in the heart of the beast completely unfazed as he was asked about how he felt that his side are being written off so earnestly.

“It's only half-time and it's still 0-0 in the tie and I just feel the chances that overall we had the better chances than Malmo in the first leg. But in saying that they are a very good side, but we are well organised and we are looking forward to the game tomorrow night,” said the Boynesiders manager.

Cooke was flanked by the experienced Declan O’Brien and Drogheda captain Derek Prendergast, both of whom will be expected to start tomorrow night.

Ryan Brennan is the only absentee for Drogheda, the young midfielder was dismissed for two bookable offences in the first leg and it will be a major blow to the Boynesiders. This should open an opportunity for Brian Gannon to be involved in the starting XI.

The last three games for Drogheda have borne mixed results. Drogheda haven’t conceded however they haven’t scored, but it’s the fact that Drogheda’s defensive frailties have been somewhat fixed which pleases Cooke most.

“I’ve tried a couple of things, as I had to do, because we were conceding so many goals, but I feel over the last three games that we’ve kept three clean sheets, but the thing is that we’ve stopped scoring. At least if we’re not conceding we have a chance of winning, so I feel that if we can be as disciplined as we were over the last three games then we have a good chance tomorrow night.”

The carrot of facing Hibernian in the second round is a massive incentive for the winners, more so for Drogheda United as it will mean coming up against an old foe in Pat Fenlon and Cooke believes that the fact Hibs are only in pre-season gives either side a chance against the Scots.

However, the bigger carrot for Cooke may be the fact that his grandkids are living in Edinburgh and he joked that the biggest amount of pressure to beat Malmo was coming from his family.

Malmo manager Norling did have this warning for Drogheda, “Normally, the opponents take half a step back while we’re moving at least one step forward when we’re playing at home,” presumably a sign that his side are prepared for an out and out assault.

Jiloan Hamad, Malmo’s captain explained that his side never underestimated Drogheda last week, despite popular opinion. The midfielder said, “I must admit that I have a greater respect for Drogheda United now. We didn’t underestimate them last game, but it is always difficult when you don’t know the team.”