Which teams could the Welsh sides face in Europa Conference League?

Welsh clubs will compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the first time next month and anticipation for it is building.

European football’s governing body has made a new third-tier competition that will hopefully provide an opportunity for a Cymru Premier side to reach the group stage.

Three Welsh teams have qualified for the new tournament and Connah’s Quay will drop in to the second qualifying round if they are unable to win their Champions League tie.

But first after all of Europe wrapped up their domestic seasons, lets see who Bala Town, Newtown and The New Saints could draw. 

Bala and TNS are seeded, this means they could be handed a favourable draw, however, a win isn’t guaranteed. 

As a result of their experience in European competitions and their results in recent years, they have built up a decent enough club coefficient to earn what will hopefully be a winnable tie.

There are four opportunities to travel to Ireland, both in the North and South of the country for both Anthony Limbrick and Colin Caton.

Larne, who were the last club to qualify for Europe after winning the NIFL Premiership play-off, as well as Glentoran, represent Northern Ireland in the draw.

South of Ireland, you have both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers involved in the draw. Bohemians have already TNS in Europe, losing 4-1 on aggregate in 2010. 

Iceland’s Breiðablik, Gibraltar’s St Joseph’s, Moldova’s FC Milsami Orhei and FC Urartu of Armenia are the four teams they will want to avoid as all four ranks as the highest unseeded teams.

In terms of a favourable draw both FK Dečić and FK Podgorica of Montenegro are the joint lowest unseeded teams. Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia are the other side, as well as Newtown, who of course Bala and TNS cannot draw. 

Other clubs include; Birkirkara F.C, FC Ararat Yerevan, FC Dinamo Batumi, FC Gagra,FC Honka, FC Inter Turku,FC Noah, FC Sfântul Gheorghe Suruceni, FC Struga, FC Swift Hesperange, FK Kauno Žalgiris, FK RFS,FK Sileks, FK Velež Mostar, KF Llapi, Mons Calpe, Racing FC Union Luxembourg, UE Sant Julià and Valmiera FC.

For Newtown, they’ll be up against it as one of the lowest ranked teams.

They last played in Europe in 2015, when they shocked Maltese side Valletta by beating them 4-2 on aggregate. 

If the Robins want to remain in the British Isles, they’ll want to draw Coleraine, who finished as runners-up to Linfield this season. 

Valletta isn’t involved this time round but if Newtown fancy winning again in Malta, there are Hibernians and Gżira United to potentially face. 

For teams to avoid then Slovenian outfit NK Maribor are the team they will not want to play against as they are the highest-ranked seeded teams.

Fehérvár FC of Hungary and League of Ireland outfit Dundalk are also in the double figures for coefficient points.

FK Sarajevo, who beat Connah’s Quay in Champions League qualifying last year, drop into the competition after failing to retain the Bosnian title.

NSÍ Runavík, who defeated Barry Town United 5-1 last year, progressing in a European fixture for the first time, is also a possible opponent. 

Topping off last years meetings, MŠK Žilina of Slovenia, lost to The New Saints after extra-time in Park Hall. They could make a return to Wales.

Other teams for Newtown to consider are: Europa, FC Drita, FC Santa Coloma, FC Spartak Trnava, FCI Levadia Tallinn, FK Liepāja, FK Partizani Tirana, FK Sutjeska Nikšić, Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, KF Laçi, KF Shkupi,Kuopion Palloseura, NK Domžale, NK Široki Brijeg, Petrocub Hîncești, Puskás Akadémia, S.P. La Fiorita, S.P. Tre Penne, Stjarnan and Śląsk Wrocław

All clubs are subject to passing the UEFA Licence, the compulsory certificate that allows them to compete in European competitions. 

This is also quite a lengthy list and closer to the draw, the list of opponents will be significantly reduced and the qualifying format will be explained by UEFA.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)