The New Saints (TNS) will kick off their 2024-25 campaign with a home match against Decic in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying round. TNS, who dominated the Welsh Premier League last season, will aim to leverage their home advantage before heading to Montenegro for the second leg.
Decic, on the other hand, is entering the Champions League qualifiers for the first time, riding on their maiden Montenegrin First League title.
Team Form
The New Saints
TNS had an exceptional season last year, securing 92 points from a possible 96, leading them to their third consecutive league title.
Despite their domestic success, their European campaigns have been disappointing.
They failed to advance past the first qualifying round in the past two seasons, losing to Linfield in 2022-23 and suffering a heavy defeat to Hacken last year.
TNS have also not won any of their last seven matches in UEFA competitions.
Decic
Decic clinched their first Montenegrin First League title last season with a record of 20 wins, 10 draws, and 6 losses.
Their previous European ventures have been less successful, as they failed to progress in their two Europa Conference League appearances, losing to Drita and Dinamo Minsk in consecutive seasons.
Team News
The New Saints
TNS is expected to field Connor Roberts as their goalkeeper, with a backline featuring Ash Baker, Josh Pask, Danny Davies, and Jordan Marshall.
Forward Brad Young, who scored 29 goals in 36 appearances last season, will be a key player for TNS.
Possible Starting Lineup: Roberts; Baker, Pask, Davies, Marshall; Holden, Smith, Clark; Williams, Cieslewicz, Brad Young
Decic
Decic will likely have Igor Nikic as their goalkeeper, supported by defenders Jonathan Dresaj, Stefan Milic, Robert Gjelaj, and Pjeter Ljuljdjuraj.
Bojan Matic, who netted nine goals in 14 appearances last season, will spearhead their attack.
Possible Starting Lineup: Nikic; Dresaj, Milic, Gjelaj, Ljuljdjuraj; Chagas, Brozovic; Puleio, Stijepovic, Gjolaj, Matic
Prediction
With both teams entering their first competitive match of the season, a cautious approach is expected.
TNS's home advantage and Decic's lack of European success might tip the balance in favour of the Welsh side.
Our Prediction: The New Saints 1-0 Decic
