On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Hamrun Spartans will welcome Lincoln Red Imps for the first leg of a Champions League qualifying tie at 5:45 pm UK time. Both teams are keen to advance in the competition, with Hamrun Spartans appearing at this stage for the second consecutive season and Lincoln Red Imps participating in Champions League qualifying for the fourth year in a row.
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Match Preview
Hamrun Spartans
Hamrun Spartans earned their place in the qualifying draw by retaining the Maltese Premier League title last season. They amassed 62 points from 26 matches, finishing five points clear at the top of the table and securing their second consecutive title. After ending last season with a five-game unbeaten run, Hamrun Spartans aim to continue their strong form into the 2024-25 campaign.
However, they will be cautious after their previous experience in Champions League qualifying, where they lost 6-1 on aggregate to Maccabi Haifa in the first round of the 2023-24 competition. A 4-0 home leg defeat in that tie highlighted their struggles in European home matches, with just one win in their last five (D1, L3).
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Lincoln Red Imps
Lincoln Red Imps secured their spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds by winning the 2023-24 Gibraltar Football League title, narrowly holding off St Joseph’s. They have faced early exits in their last two qualifying campaigns, including a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Qarabag last season. The Imps are determined to progress past the first round for the first time since their 2021-22 victory over Fola Esch.
Despite their poor record in European away matches, losing 14 of their last 17, Lincoln Red Imps enter the new season with confidence, carrying an impressive 17-game unbeaten streak since December.
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Team News
Hamrun Spartans
Henry Bonello is expected to start in goal for the hosts, with a back three likely comprising Steve Borg, Emerson, and Elionay. Luke Montebello, who scored 24 goals in 32 appearances last season, will lead the line. Key players like Mbong, Prsa, and Mifsud will support the attack from midfield.
Possible Starting XI: Bonello; Emerson, Borg, Elionay; Mbong, Prsa, Mifsud, Camenzuli; Ederson, Corbalan, Montebello
Lincoln Red Imps
Goalkeeper Nauzet Garcia is set to start, with a back four of Ibrahim Ayew, Bernardo Lopes, Roy Chipolina, and Ethan Britto. Tjay De Barr, who scored nine goals in 15 appearances since rejoining from Wycombe Wanderers, will be crucial in the attack.
Possible Starting XI: Garcia; Ayew, Lopes, Chipolina, Britto; Yahaya, Mandi, Burnet; Villacanas, Nano, De Barr
Prediction
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Hamrun Spartans 2-1 Lincoln Red Imps
Hamrun Spartans’ home advantage and recent domestic form give them the edge in this encounter. While Lincoln Red Imps have been resilient domestically, their poor European away record could be a stumbling block.
Other Betting Markets:
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
- Hot Stat: Lincoln Red Imps have lost 14 of their last 17 European away matches.
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