The New Saints and Europa will meet for the first time this week meaning that the Oswestry side will come up against an unknown quantity.
The first leg is this evening with a 7:00 PM kick off, then the second leg will take place in Fora, Portugal next week.
With The New Saints set to host first time Gibraltarian champions Europa FC tonight, we look at who could cause problems for the Welsh champions this evening.
Juan Jose Gallardo’s men will sure be up for the game and for some descencing to Park Hall this evening they may be used to a familiar face in former Portsmouth midfielder Liam Walker.
Liam Walker
The Gibraltan international midfielder made 35 competitive appearances for Europa last season after signing from Lincoln Red Imps last season. The former Portsmouth man racked up 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last term and could surely be a nuisance for The New Saints.
Walker interestingly signed for Portsmouth afterimpressing then manager Michael Appleton with a superb individual performance in which Gibraltar beat Portsmouth 4-0.
The 29 year-old was playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football at the time before being signed up to play Championship football for Pompey.
He’s played alongisde a former Welsh Premier League defender in David Artell, as both played in Gibraltar’s European Championship qualifier against Estonia.
Kike Gomez
Spanish striker Kike Gomez left Coria CF in August 2016 to sign for Europa. Gomez had an astonishing season in front of goal netting 3o goals in 25 league games for the champions as well as contributing to his side with a singular assist. He also carried over his hot form into cup competitions scored 4 goals in 4 games in the Rock Cup and scored 2 goals in 1 game in the Pepe Reyes Cup.
Alex Quillo
Former Atletico Madrid youth player Alex Quillo signed for Europa as a free agent in January 2016 after being released by CD Mairena in 2015. The Spaniard put in a lot of work from the midfield this season netting 8 goals and grabbing 3 assists in 24 games.
He has played four times in the Europa League play-offs, showcasing his loyalty to his current club. He scored 2 in 3 in the Rock Cup and only made one appearance in the Pepe Reyes Cup.
(Featured Image: InfoGibraltar)
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