Krylya Sovetov -v- St. Patrick's Athletic
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The St.Patrick’s Athletic players and coaching staff stand on the cusp of immortality knowing that if they can somehow overcome their Russian opponents Krylya Sovetov on Thursday in the 2nd leg of the third qualifying round for UEFA Europa Cup they will have written themselves into the club’s record books and the hearts of their fans all over Ireland with one of the most famous European victories the League of Ireland has known (Kick Off: 3:00 pm).
Manager Jeff Kenna and his charges hold a slender one nil lead from the first leg thanks to Declan O’Brien’s strike and there is no love lost between the former Republic of Ireland international and Samara outfit:
“I think they totally underestimated us in the first game, I don’t think that will be case the case Thursday.”
And when asked to elaborate the former Galway United supremo explained:” The fact they were hauling in crates of Guinness before the game, I didn‘t see that myself but some of the players did, by all accounts they were out shopping Tuesday afternoon in town so, for me, that’s an unprofessional approach.”
Regarding an actual game plan Kenna is hoping his side can repel whatever Sovetov throw at them early on and exploit any lapses of concentration from their illustrious opponents:
“I’m sure they’ll come at us all guns blazing early on in the game, if we can withstand that they’ll have to start taking more and more chances. Certainly as the game wore on here in Dublin we got in and had two or three good chances late in the game so the longer the game goes on out there, I think that could work in our favour.”
Midfielder Gary Dempsey picked up an ankle injury against Dundalk FC on Sunday night so is not available for selection and joins Mark Quigley and Gints Friemanis on the injured list, Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for the men from Inchicore.
The game also comes too soon for Sovetov’s Czech striker Jan Koller and the Russians are expected to name an unchanged line up from the team that took the field against the Saints seven days ago.
There is, no doubt, a gulf in class between the two sides but Pat’s one nil head start goes some of the way to redressing the balance and they may do the unexpected or at least go very close even in spite of their much derided travel plans.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Krylya Sovetov 2-1 St.Pat’s (Pat’s to go through on away goals)
Manager Jeff Kenna and his charges hold a slender one nil lead from the first leg thanks to Declan O’Brien’s strike and there is no love lost between the former Republic of Ireland international and Samara outfit:
“I think they totally underestimated us in the first game, I don’t think that will be case the case Thursday.”
And when asked to elaborate the former Galway United supremo explained:” The fact they were hauling in crates of Guinness before the game, I didn‘t see that myself but some of the players did, by all accounts they were out shopping Tuesday afternoon in town so, for me, that’s an unprofessional approach.”
Regarding an actual game plan Kenna is hoping his side can repel whatever Sovetov throw at them early on and exploit any lapses of concentration from their illustrious opponents:
“I’m sure they’ll come at us all guns blazing early on in the game, if we can withstand that they’ll have to start taking more and more chances. Certainly as the game wore on here in Dublin we got in and had two or three good chances late in the game so the longer the game goes on out there, I think that could work in our favour.”
Midfielder Gary Dempsey picked up an ankle injury against Dundalk FC on Sunday night so is not available for selection and joins Mark Quigley and Gints Friemanis on the injured list, Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for the men from Inchicore.
The game also comes too soon for Sovetov’s Czech striker Jan Koller and the Russians are expected to name an unchanged line up from the team that took the field against the Saints seven days ago.
There is, no doubt, a gulf in class between the two sides but Pat’s one nil head start goes some of the way to redressing the balance and they may do the unexpected or at least go very close even in spite of their much derided travel plans.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Krylya Sovetov 2-1 St.Pat’s (Pat’s to go through on away goals)
About Eoin Manning
Eoin Manning has been a part of the extratime.ie reporting team since 2009 and covers the Dublin clubs. Eoin also writes for many of the countries national newspapers and can be contacted at eoinpmanning@gmail.com View Full Profile