Crusaders -v- Rosenborg
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CRUSADERS
Crusaders must negotiate a difficult Europa League clash with Rosenborg without the presence of their manager, Stephen Baxter, and first choice centre-half, Colin Coates, as they will miss the game due to holiday commitments.
The Crusaders manager told the BBC that the holidays had been planned before the date of the tie was known, but that he had every confidence his backroom team of Charlie Murphy and Roy McDonald would be more than capable of coping in his absence.
"The family holiday was booked some time ago and I'm not back home until Saturday, but I had a long conversation about the match with Charlie Murphy today and the boys will be well prepared for Thursday's match.
"We talked through a lot of things and I have every confidence in Charlie and Roy and with Colin Coates also not available, Paul Leeman will be playing a very important role as well given his experience."
The side will also be without experienced striker, Gary McCutcheon but can call on summer signings Eamonn McAllister, Paul Heatley and Craig McClean who will all be included in the squad.
ROSENBORG
Rosenborg travel to Belfast on the back of a convincing 4-1 victory over Viking that moved them into fourth position after thirteen games played in their domestic league.
The victory marked an upturn in the patchy form that has seen them draw seven and lose five of their league fixtures and sees them languishing seven points behind the leaders, Stromgodset.
Even so, manager Jan Jonnson will bring an experienced squad that will include former Spurs striker, Stefan Iversen, and be heavily favoured to progress to next round.
They won’t however, underestimate their opponents as on their last trip to Northern Ireland two years ago they were held to a goalless draw by Linfield in a Champions League qualifying game, before winning the return by two goals to nil in Trondheim.
Referee: Dawid Piasecki (POL)
MATCH STATS
Rosenborg are Norway’s most successful team winning 22 league titles, nine Norwegian Football Cups and playing more UEFA matches than any of their domestic rivals.
From 1991 to 2004 Rosenborg won 13 consecutive titles, participating 12 times in the group stages of the Champions League, reaching the quarter-final stage in the 1996/97 season.
Crusaders were beaten by Fulham in last year’s Europa League, losing the first leg at home by three goals to one then being beaten four-nil in Craven Cottage.
BETTING
Crusaders 10/1 Draw 4/1 Rosenborg 2/9
PREDICTION
Crusaders 0 Rosenborg 3
Crusaders Injury News: Colin Coates, Gary McCutcheon (unavailable through holidays)
Crusaders Suspension News: None
Rosenborg Injury News: None
Rosenborg Suspension News: None
