Kick Off: 1745, 06/07/2017
Stadium: Daugava
Crusaders will take a 3-1 lead to Latvia for the second leg of their Europa League qualifier against Liepaja and the feeling is they may need that advantage to advance.
Liepaja took quite a while to get going in the first encounter but finished very strongly and are expected to be a big threat on home turf.
An away goal does still look possible, though, so we like 5/2 for a home win and both teams to score in our Liepaja vs Crusaders betting tips.
A Look At Liepaja’s Betting Odds
Liepaja were guilty of some sloppy defending as they fell 3-0 behind in Belfast but a fine strike from Arturs Karasausks got them back in the tie.
That goal definitely seemed to galvanise the Latvian outfit, with Marks Kurtiss then grazing the crossbar and forcing a useful save from Brian Jensen.
“Our play was sensational for an hour, given that we have only been back for a week, but their fitness and class showed in the last 30 minutes,” said Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter. “We were out on our feet by the end.”
We’re backing the Irish side to scrape through but 29/4 for a 2-1 home win takes the eye from the Liepaja vs Crusaders odds.
A Look At Crusaders’ Betting Odds
Crusaders had Liepaja clearly rattled at Seaview, with Philip Lowry, Michael Carvill and Jordan Owens capitalising on the visitors’ inability to clear their own lines.
Last season’s runners-up in Northern Ireland do have a great record at that venue, though, so it was understandable to see Liepaja lacking confidence.
However, Baxter is not counting his chickens, stating: “I was thrilled with our performance but disappointed slightly with the result, given that we conceded the goal.
“All the players worked incredibly hard but we face a mammoth task against a good side. They will be buoyed by that late goal for the second leg.”
A home win and over 2.5 goals in the game is available at 3/2 and completes our Liepaja vs Crusaders predictions.
Additional stats
First-leg result
CRUSADERS 3-1 LIEPAJA – Philip Lowry, Michael Carvill, Jordan Owens & Arturs Karasausks
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