The Poles have virtually secured qualification: Thun vs Lech Poznań prediction
The second leg of the Europa League qualifying play-off between Thun and Lech Poznań will take place on 27 August at the Stockhorn Arena. After the Polish club's emphatic 7-0 victory in the first meeting, the question of who will win the tie is effectively settled, leaving the hosts to fight primarily for a respectable result.
Thun: after the heavy defeat, pride is at stake
Gian-Luca Privitelli's side are going through a difficult spell, with the 7-0 defeat in Poznań marking their fifth loss in the last seven matches. Thun have already guaranteed themselves a place in the main stage of the Conference League, however, so their European campaign will continue regardless.
Their home form also offers little reason for optimism, with just one victory in their last five matches on their own ground. The only success during that period was a 3-0 win over Víkingur in Europa League qualifying on 6 August.
Lech Poznań: winning streak and formidable defence
After being eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Aarhus, Niels Frederiksen's side quickly regrouped and won all three of their Europa League matches. Lech first overcame Klaksvík 6-0 on aggregate before demolishing Thun 7-0.
Ahead of the return leg, the Polish side are on a run of five consecutive victories and have kept clean sheets in four straight matches. With such a commanding aggregate advantage, the coaching staff can afford to rotate the squad, although even a changed line-up should still be capable of controlling the game.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- The first match ended in a commanding 7-0 victory for Lech.
- The Polish club have won their last five matches in all competitions.
- Lech have kept clean sheets in four consecutive matches.
Almost no intrigue remains: Thun vs Lech Poznań prediction
After a 7-0 defeat, there is no realistic prospect of a genuine battle for qualification. Thun will try to make use of home advantage and restore some pride in front of their supporters, while the visitors may approach the game much more conservatively.
Lech are in excellent form, but their huge aggregate lead could reduce the intensity of the Polish side. In these circumstances, the hosts have a chance at least to avoid another defeat.
