The New Saints face Astana in the second match of their UEFA Conference League campaign.
TNS suffered a 2-0 defeat to back-to-back runners-up Fiorentina in their opening game. As for Astana, they defeated Backa Topola 1-0 courtesy of a nine-time Lithuanian international Kipras Kazukolovas.
Craig Harrison’s men defeated Llangollen Town 16-0 in the Welsh Cup on Friday in preparation for their match. They have had two days more rest than Astana who played Yelimay Semey on Sunday (October 20).
The New Saints team news
Aramide Oteh is unavailable as he was signed after TNS submitted their squad list. The 26-year-old joined on a free transfer after leaving Walsall this summer and has scored four goals in seven games so far.
Jordan Williams is back and available for selection after missing their last few European games through suspension. He picked up a straight red card for an apparent elbow in their draw with FC Petroub.
Harrison McGahey is another player that could be involved. The former Sheffield United centre-back made his first competitive appearance in over two months when he played a half of football as a defensive midfielder against Llangollen Town.
Matthew Olosunde hasn’t played since the start of September, and so he is unlikely to be involved. Ryan Astles like Oteh was not on their squad list and has been sidelined for almost a year.
Leo Smith could be a doubt after missing the last three games. He came off at half-time in the defeat to Caernarfon Town at the start of October and hasn’t played against Cardiff Met, Flint Town United, or Llangollen.
Out: Aramide Oteh, Matthew Olosunde, and Ryan Astles. Doubt: Leo Smith.
Astana team news
Neither Barnes Osei or Nurali Zhaksylyk were involved in the 3-0 win against Yelimay. Osei played in midweek against Karagandy, whilst Zhaksylyk isn’t a prominent member of their team.
Doubt: Barnes Osei. Out: Nurali Zhaksylyk.
Leave a Reply