FC Twente will be hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit when they host Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday in the Champions League's third qualifying round. The winner of this clash will progress to the playoffs, a single step away from the competition's revamped group stage.
A late goal from Michel Vlap in last week's first leg gave Twente a glimmer of hope, reducing Salzburg's lead to 2-1. However, the Austrian side are no strangers to the Champions League, having been a regular fixture in the competition over the past decade. They will be aiming to continue their European dominance despite finishing fourth in their group last year, behind Real Sociedad, Benfica, and Inter Milan.
Joseph Oosting's Twente side finished third in the Eredivisie last season, securing their place in the Champions League qualifiers. They started their latest domestic campaign with a victory over NEC Nijmegen, but they will need a significant improvement on their first-leg performance to overcome Salzburg.
Salzburg, meanwhile, are under new management this season, with Pep Lijnders replacing Gerhard Struber after the club's disappointing domestic campaign. The former Liverpool assistant has made a positive start, with Salzburg unbeaten in pre-season and winning their opening two Austrian Bundesliga matches.
One major hurdle for Salzburg will be the absence of Karim Konate, who scored 20 league goals last season. The Ivory Coast international suffered a knee injury and is expected to be out until September. Other key players, including Fernando, Takumu Kawamura, and Alexander Schlager, are also sidelined with injuries.
Twente will be hoping to capitalise on Salzburg's absences, with captain Ricky van Wolfswinkel expected to return after being rested at the weekend. Sem Steijn, Twente's top scorer last season, is also set to start.
Despite their underdog status, Twente will be confident of securing a positive result in front of their home supporters. However, Salzburg's European experience and attacking prowess suggest they will be difficult to overcome.
Possible Starting Lineups:
FC Twente: Unnerstall; Reeger, Hilgers, Van Hoorenbeeck, Kuipers; Kjolo, Eiting; Rots, Steijn, Van Bergen; Van Wolfswinkel
Red Bull Salzburg: Blaswich; Dedic, Baidoo, Blank, Terzic; Bidstrup, Gourna-Douath, Kjaergaard; Gloukh, Ratov, Nene
Prediction:
Sports Mole predicts that Red Bull Salzburg will secure a 2-1 victory over FC Twente, progressing to the playoffs with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Salzburg's greater experience and attacking threat make them the favourites to secure a place in the next round. However, Twente's home advantage and desire to make history could lead to a tense and exciting encounter.