Crusaders to host Wolves in 'biggest game since Liverpool in 1976'
And Linfield host HB Torshavn
Last updated 1st Aug 2019
Crusaders face Wolves on Thursday in the second round of qualifying in the Europa League, with manager Stephen Baxter hailing it as the club's biggest game in more than 40 years.
"When we beat the Faroese team B36, it felt to me like we had won the Europa League that night because we got the opportunity to play Wolves and come up against a top team at the top of their game. This is the biggest day in our football lives since Liverpool travelled here all those years ago," said Baxter.
The Belfast part-timers were impressive last week in restricting Wolves to just 2 goals, with the second coming in added time.
"It's a game that will stand out in my memory forever, for as long as I live. For the wee Crues to go a ground like that and to play the way we did, it was exceptional," said Baxter.
Although Wolves are expected to make it safely through to the next round, Baxter wants his side to make it as difficult as possible at Seaview.
He said: "We're under no illusion. We're playing world stars here. It's not a team we have a chance of beating, they're leagues above us. But we still have to bring what we can to put them under a little bit more pressure."
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has recently seen his squad buffered by the arrivals of AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone, and the loan signing of Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo.
Despite Wolves' increasingly high-profile status, he says he'll take nothing for granted in North Belfast.
"We cannot play this game like we have the lead. We must play it as a new game. We want to play well, but let's respect Crusaders," he said.
Santo also said they were very much aware of Seaview's artificial pitch but added that they did not want to use this as an excuse.
Meanwhile, Linfield host HB Torshavn and with the tie sitting at 2-2, they are in a strong position to qualify.
Boss David Healy says they have always got a chance when striker Andy Waterworth's in the line-up.