Linfield suffered a disappointing 8-1 aggregate loss to Bodo/Glimt in their Champions League qualifier last month, while the visitors were beaten 5-4 by Qarabag FC.
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Linfield will host FC Zurich in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round at the Windsor Park on Thursday night. Both sides have dropped down to the Europa League after suffering defeats on aggregate in their Champions League second qualifying round. Linfield suffered a disappointing 8-1 aggregate loss to Bodo/Glimt in their Champions League qualifier last month, while the visitors were beaten 5-4 by Qarabag FC to drop down to the second tie of European football.
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We take on FC Zürich this Thursday night in UEL action ??
➡️ https://t.co/iWxkmXtuJO#COYB #AFJ pic.twitter.com/aEL3Hvdvt1
— Linfield FC (@OfficialBlues) August 2, 2022
Linfield won the Northern Ireland top flight title last term by collecting 83 points from 38 games, just one point more than second-placed Cliftonville. The Blues made an impressive start to their quest for a Champions League group stage qualification by getting the better of The New Saint 2-1 over two legs. And then, in their first leg match of the second round qualification against Bodo-Glimt, the Blues secured a narrow 1-0 lead before suffering a disastrous 8-0 defeat in the second leg. Linfield are desperate to move on from their battering in Bodo and believe that they are capable of progressing to the Europa League group stage this term.
Zurich on the other hand, had won the 2021-22 Swiss Super League to earn a spot in the second round of the Champions League qualification. The Swiss club lost the first leg to Qarabag FC 3-2 before playing out a goalless draw in the second. The tie ended 5-4 in favour of the Azerbaijini outfit. In the second leg, at Letzigrund, Makism Medvedev and Ivan Santini netted for Zurich. Meanwhile Franco Foda’s side didn’t have a great start to the Swiss Super League title defence, as they are languishing at the bottom of the standings with just one point from their opening three games.
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Linfield winger Joel Cooper and central defender Jimmy Callagher are sidelined with injuries, while Kirk Millar is unavailable because of suspension. In Millar’s absence, Stephen Fallon could be deployed on the right flank with McDaid operating down the centre. As for Zurich, veteran midfielder Blerim Dzemaili is doubtful because of an injury, therefore Cheick Conde is expected to pull the strings in the midfield. Lindrit Kamberi is expected to partner Kryeziu in the heart of the defence. Summer signing Ivan Santini could lead the line with Gnonto and Rohner occupying the flanks.
Linfield probable starting lineup: Johns; Finlayson, Hall, Roscoe, Clarke; Mulgrew, shields, McClean; Fallon, McDaid, Stewart
FC Zurich probable starting lineup: Brecher; Boranija Sevic, Kamberi, Kryeziu, aliti; Selnas, Conde, Guerrero; Rohner, Santini, Gonto
The Europa League qualifier between Linfield and FC Zurich will take place at Windsor Park on Friday at 12:15 am IST.
| Linfield vs FC Zurich | Key details |
| Date | August 4 (Northern Ireland) |
| Venue | Windsor Park |
| Kickoff time in Northern Ireland | 7:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in Switzerland | 8:45 pm |
The live coverage of the match is available on 247.tv, SRF Play and RTS Sport.
