NSÍ and Ballymena United meet at Svangaskarð, in a return match for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (Preliminary Round), after the victory at home of Ballymena United by (2-0) in the first leg. In this match the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results obtained at home and as a visitor.
NSI Runavik:
After the defeat in the first leg, the home team arrives at this disadvantaged game at a disadvantage, since they need to recover 2 goals of disadvantage and have not scored any goals in the previous match. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 23 matches they register 12 losses in away matches, with 4 goals scored and 40 conceded; against 2 wins, 1 draw and 8 losses at their stadium, with 10 goals scored and 27 conceded.
The NSI Runavik leaves for this unmotivated party, after having lost in the first leg, by 2-0, against Ballymena United. However, he still has the match at home to make progress in this Europa League. We remind you that the home team managed to get access to this tie due to the conquest of the second position in the championship of the Faroe Islands. Without great surprises, the coach Gudjón Thórdarson must align the team in the usual tactical system, that is, the 3-4-3, benefiting a style of play more organized and leisurely. However, in some moments of the game you must risk everything in the attack. Captain Klaemint Olsen is the player who deserves prominence in this team, being very competent in the finalization. For this game the coach can count on all the players at his disposal.
Ballymena United:
The away team comes to this second leg with an advantage of 2 goals, but suffered 0 goals at home in the first leg. This is a team that, oddly enough, was better outside than at home, as in the last 30 matches they register 10 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in away matches; against 9 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses at their stadium. In the last 10 away matches Ballymena United has a record of 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. The team has conceded goals in 7 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. In the last 7 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have conceded 3 of their 6 goals between minutes (16′-30 ‘).
The Ballymena United comes to this game very motivated, due to the win in the first leg of this first round, 2-0, in the reception to the NS: the goals that gave the advantage in this round were marked by Millar and Winchester. To reach this stage of the Europa League, the visiting club had to finish in second place in the Northern Ireland championship. By playing away from home, coach David Jeffrey must opt for a more cautious strategy, attacking more directly, thus maintaining the organization of his block. The McClullough end is a very fast and strong athlete in the defense-attack transition. All players are available for this game.
