Motherwell conceded just 13 goals in 19 home league games last season
HB Torshavn have failed to score in their last three away qualifiers
Recommended bet: Motherwell, 0 - 2 handicap in 3-way handicap @ 57/50 with LiveScore Bet
Motherwell have a chance to qualify for the main stages of a European competition for the first time since the 2008-09 season and they will fancy their chances of seeing off HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands across two legs in the second round of Conference League qualifying.
Well were last involved in qualifying in the 2022-23 season when they were dumped out by Ireland’s Sligo. HB have a bit more experience when it comes to the summer qualifiers but they have fallen at the first hurdle in each of the last four seasons, and are on a seven-game winless run in Europe.
Team news
Defender Dylan Williams could make his Motherwell debut after arriving from Burton Albion but Elijah Just is set to miss out as he is expected to join Swansea, while Elliot Watt and Calum Ward have already left Fir Park.
The Steelmen have a lengthy injury list to contend with and Zach Robinson, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Shane Blaney and Sam Nicholson are among their absentees.
HB Torshavn have no reported injury or suspension issues to contend with.
The stats
Motherwell won 10 of their 19 Premiership home games last season (D6, L3).
The Well scored 59 goals in 38 Premiership games last season.
HB Torshavn have won just one of their previous 34 away European qualifiers (D5, L28).
HB Torshavn have scored just one goal across their last six European qualifiers (home and away).
Three of HB Torshavn’s last four away defeats have come by more than one goal.
Prediction
Motherwell may have been hoping for a slightly more glamorous tie after securing a place in European qualifying but they should at least be confident of seeing off Faroese outfit HB Torshavn over two legs.
The visitors have a poor record in European qualifiers but they have proven to be a tough side to break down at home. Derry, Hajduk Split and Brondby have all failed to win the away legs against HB Torshavn over the last three summers so Motherwell need to make the most of home advantage in this first leg to ensure they avoid being on the wrong end of an upset.
Well boss Alfred Johansson does have a big injury list to contend with but Motherwell still have more than enough quality to win this game comfortably and they can beat HB Torshavn by three or more goals.
Motherwell had an excellent defensive record in the Premiership last season, particularly at home where they conceded just 13 goals in 19 games. A clean sheet for the Steelmen seems likely as HB Torshavn struggle for goals in European games and that would give the hosts a platform to put together a big win.
Johansson’s side scored three goals in defeat to Genk in pre-season and scored more than once in their final games with both Celtic and Rangers last season.
Motherwell are capable of grabbing a few goals and they probably only need to reach the minimum of three to cover a 0-2 headstart for the visitors.
Back Motherwell to win with 0-2 handicap at 57/50 with LiveScore Bet
Score prediction: HB Torshavn 0-3 Motherwell
