Europa Conference League Preview: Dundalk -v- Vitesse Arnhem

DUNDALK

Dundalk welcome Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem to Tallaght Stadium for the second-leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie (kick-off is at 8pm).

The Lilywhites were moments away from a famous win in the Netherlands thanks to a stunning Patrick McEleney double.

But an 89^th minute equaliser from Lois Openda levelled matters ahead of the tie in Dublin on Thursday night.

Winger Michael Duffy is excited about the return leg and is optimistic the Lilywhites can build on their promising position halfway through the tie.

“It’s going to be a good night on Thursday. It’s a massive game for us all, we have left ourselves in a good position after last week and we worked so hard to get the result that we needed against Vitesse.

“They are a good side, and we are expecting the same kind of game on Thursday.

“We are looking forward to it, these are the kinds of games that we all want to be playing in so we will prepare properly during the week and get ready to go.”

In terms of team news, Daniel Cleary and Brian Gartland will miss out with long-term injuries.

VITESSE ARNHEM

The Eredivisie side will be well known to Irish Chelsea supporters having taken as many as 28 youngsters on loan from the London club including, Nemanja Matic, Bertrand Traore, Lewis Baker and Mason Mount.

The visitors will be hoping to reap the benefits of a competitive fixture against their hosts last week as they have yet to begin their campaign in the Dutch top-flight.

Vitesse are without several players ahead of the trip to Tallaght with goalscorer Openda suspended along with Romaric Yapi.

Oussama Tannane, Jacob Rasmussen, Daan Reiziger and Eli Dasa are also absent through injury and will not travel with the 22-man squad.

Referee: Alain Durieuz (Luxembourg).

BETTING

Dundalk: 15/4 Draw: 14/5 Vitesse: 1/2

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2 - 1 Vitesse Arnhem (AET)

Dundalk

Injured: Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Vitesse Arnhem

Injured: Oussama Tannane, Jacob Rasmussen, Daan Reiziger, Eli Dasa.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Lois Openda, Romaric Yapi.