The New Saints vs Sabah Prediction: The Owls to swoop in Shropshire

The New Saints have got a lot of work to do in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round against Sabah at Park Hall on Tuesday (6:30pm BST). The visitors have a 2-0 lead and they will look to protect it in Shropshire.

Read on for my The New Saints vs Sabah predictions, accompanied by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

The New Saints are in a good position for this second leg because there are no injuries or suspensions to worry about. Therefore, Craig Harrison can name a strong XI on Tuesday.

Rhys Hughes made his debut in the first leg and he's expected to keep his place in attack. He scored 15 goals for Connah's Quay Nomads last term.

Zach Nolan was an unused substitute in Azerbaijan as he awaits to make his competitive debut for the Shropshire outfit.

Sabah will be forced into one change here following Steve Solvet's dismissal in the first leg. Aden McCarthy, a new signing from Kaizer Chiefs, is set to stand in for Solvet at centre-back.

By scoring quickly after coming on from the bench in Baku, Kaheem Parris will be hoping to force his way into the starting lineup at Park Hall.

The New Saints vs Sabah Odds

Betfred feels as though The New Saints have a tough task on their hands, so the hosts are a 3/1 bet to win this game in regulation time. It's 12/1 for them to win the tie.

Sabah are the 8/13 favourites to take the second leg, while the draw is marketed at 16/5.

The first leg went Under 2.5 Goals, which can be backed here at 5/4.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 4/6

The New Saints are expected to fare better on home soil and given the task ahead of them, they'll be in need of a strong start. I'm not they're capable of completing a comeback but I think they can at least get on the scoresheet on this occasion.

BTTS - Yes has been a winner in three of Sabah's past four competitive outings, while for the home side it's landed in four of their previous nine.

Match Result - Sabah @ 8/13

Sabah have a healthy two-goal lead heading to Shropshire and I don't think they'll sit on it. The New Saints will likely set themselves up to come out all guns blazing, which may present the visitors with opportunities to pick the hosts off on the break.

Sabah have won eight of their past 11 competitive matches, so they have plenty of momentum behind them coming into this second leg. I do see TNS scoring in this contest but I think the Owls have better quality in the final third which will once again be the difference.