League form: Malmo are currently fourth after 14 games in the Allsvenskan, two points behind leaders IFK Gothenburg.
Last game: Though they have only lost twice in the league this season, one of those defeats was last Thursday when they conceded an early goal and went down 3-1 to BK Hacken.
The boss: Though only 42, Rikard Norling has over 20 years’ experience as a coach after injury cut short his playing career. He spent most of his early years in backroom roles at AIK and later returned to take charge of the club following their relegation in 2004.
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After winning promotion back to the top flight in Norling’s first season, AIK very nearly followed up with a league title before finishing as runners-up in 2006. He has been Malmo manager since 2011.
One to watch: In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Drogs boss Mick Cooke singled out South African international Tokelo Rantie as Malmo’s danger man. Rantie has six league goals so far this season. “[He was] quite exceptional,” Cooke said after watching him last week. “He looks like a very exciting player.”
Drogheda: Drogheda come in to the game on a winning note following Monday’s 3-0 win against Cork City in the EA Cup. Cooke has a full complement of players to choose from with the exception of Eric Foley, who is set to miss the next four weeks for a hernia operation.
Odds: Drogheda 6/1 Draw 16/5 Malmo 4/9
VMFD Zalgiris v St Patrick’s Athletic
LFF Stadium, Vilnius, 7.10pm Irish time
League form: Zalgiris are currently riding high at the top of the A Lyga. After 17 games, they’ve won 14 with just two draws and a single defeat; even more worrying is the fact that they’ve conceded just six goals — and scored 48. They’re currently six points clear of Ekranas and Atlantas in second and third.
Last game: A 1-0 win at home to Atlantas on Saturday kept Zalgiris’ winning streak alive and kept their rivals at bay.
The gaffer: Marek Zub, 48, has been in charge at Zalgiris since last summer. Zub was appointed as assistant coach to the Polish international team under Waldemar Fornalik after Euro 2012 but left the role when Zalgiris came knocking.
One to watch: Polish striker Kamil Bilinski is topping the A Lyga scoring charts at the moment with 13 goals while midfielders Mantas Kuklys and Jakub Wilk have seven and six respectively from midfield. That should be more than enough to keep the Pat’s defence busy.
Pat’s: Friday night’s 2-0 win against Bray Wanderers kept Pat’s clear at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division, three points ahead of Derry City. Killian Brennan’s suspension only applies to domestic games so he is available while Philly Hughes, signed on loan from Shelbourne earlier in the week, is also eligible for the Saints’ European squad.
Europa League briefing: what Drogheda and St Pat's can expect tonight
Malmo forward Magnus Eriksson (©INPHO/Donall Farmer)
Drogheda United v Malmo FF
Tallaght Stadium, 7.45pm
League form: Malmo are currently fourth after 14 games in the Allsvenskan, two points behind leaders IFK Gothenburg.
Last game: Though they have only lost twice in the league this season, one of those defeats was last Thursday when they conceded an early goal and went down 3-1 to BK Hacken.
The boss: Though only 42, Rikard Norling has over 20 years’ experience as a coach after injury cut short his playing career. He spent most of his early years in backroom roles at AIK and later returned to take charge of the club following their relegation in 2004.
After winning promotion back to the top flight in Norling’s first season, AIK very nearly followed up with a league title before finishing as runners-up in 2006. He has been Malmo manager since 2011.
Drogheda’s Declan “Fabio” O’Brien trains in Tallaght yesterday evening (©INPHO/Donall Farmer)
One to watch: In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Drogs boss Mick Cooke singled out South African international Tokelo Rantie as Malmo’s danger man. Rantie has six league goals so far this season. “[He was] quite exceptional,” Cooke said after watching him last week. “He looks like a very exciting player.”
Drogheda: Drogheda come in to the game on a winning note following Monday’s 3-0 win against Cork City in the EA Cup. Cooke has a full complement of players to choose from with the exception of Eric Foley, who is set to miss the next four weeks for a hernia operation.
Odds: Drogheda 6/1 Draw 16/5 Malmo 4/9
VMFD Zalgiris v St Patrick’s Athletic
LFF Stadium, Vilnius, 7.10pm Irish time
League form: Zalgiris are currently riding high at the top of the A Lyga. After 17 games, they’ve won 14 with just two draws and a single defeat; even more worrying is the fact that they’ve conceded just six goals — and scored 48. They’re currently six points clear of Ekranas and Atlantas in second and third.
Last game: A 1-0 win at home to Atlantas on Saturday kept Zalgiris’ winning streak alive and kept their rivals at bay.
The gaffer: Marek Zub, 48, has been in charge at Zalgiris since last summer. Zub was appointed as assistant coach to the Polish international team under Waldemar Fornalik after Euro 2012 but left the role when Zalgiris came knocking.
Chris Forrester could be key for St Pat’s tonight (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
One to watch: Polish striker Kamil Bilinski is topping the A Lyga scoring charts at the moment with 13 goals while midfielders Mantas Kuklys and Jakub Wilk have seven and six respectively from midfield. That should be more than enough to keep the Pat’s defence busy.
Pat’s: Friday night’s 2-0 win against Bray Wanderers kept Pat’s clear at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division, three points ahead of Derry City. Killian Brennan’s suspension only applies to domestic games so he is available while Philly Hughes, signed on loan from Shelbourne earlier in the week, is also eligible for the Saints’ European squad.
Odds: Zalgiris 19/20 Draw 12/5 St Pat’s 11/4
Eamon Zayed is back in the Airtricity League — with Shamrock Rovers
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Europa League Europa League 2013 Malmo FF Drogheda United Zalgiris