Malmo - Drogheda United preview: Drogs hoping for positive result in Sweden

The 2012 EA Sports Cup winners held Di Blae to a scoreless draw in Dublin and will be expecting a difficult game as they attempt to secure their place in the next round

After a scoreless draw at Tallaght Stadium, 2012 League of Ireland runners-up Drogheda United will be hoping for a positive result in Sweden against Malmo FF in the second leg of the Europa League first qualifying round.



Malmo currently sit in second place in the Allsvenskan and go into this second leg clash full of confidence after a 3-1 win at the Swedbank Stadion against Gefle on Sunday. On the same day, Drogs were held to a scoreless draw by Shelbourne in the Airtricity Division, as Mick Cooke rested some of his regular starters ahead of their European game.



South African striker Tokelo Rantie was one of Malmo's standout performers in the first leg in Dublin, but the forward is doubtful for the second leg with a hip injury. Malmo manager Rikard Norling is confident his side can progress in front of the home fans but is not expecting a comfortable win.



"The first match means nothing now," he told Skansan.se. "We know that victory is enough to advance, and we know that we are strong at home. I expect that we will have most of the possession and that Drogheda will focus on defending, and then try to score from counter-attacks or set-pieces."



Drogs will be without Ryan Brennan for the tie, as the midfielder was dismissed for two bookable offences in the first leg. Defender Derek Prendergast put in an impressive performance at the back in the first leg, and believes Drogheda can record a famous victory at the Swedbank Stadion.



"We were just on the pitch and I can't wait to get out there playing," Prendergast said after Wednesday's training session. "Hopefully there'll be a good crowd here and we can put one over on them, and be celebrating on the plane on the way home."



A score draw would be enough for Drogheda United to advance, with a second qualifying round tie against Scottish Premier League side Hibernian on offer for the winners.



Malmo FF host Drogheda United in the second leg of the Europa League first qualifying round at the Swedbank Arena on Thursday July 11. Kick off 18:00 BST.