Although no one expects us to be other than spectators when the final of the tournament takes place in Dublin next May, the early exposure to a series of competitive games in preparation for the SPL kick off next month will be invaluable.
Last season Motherwell had six games in this competition (Llanelli, Flamurtari and Steaua Bucharest) and there was a definite advantage evident in the opening games of the league campaign. If our performances from the middle of August benefit from the Europa games then the early start will be well worth the effort.
Behind us already are three wins in friendly affairs but the players will not draw false confidence from those successes. Our new team has still in formation but our opponents are almost halfway into their season. They sit at the top of their table and must fancy their chances of an upset.
The Breiðablik manager was in Ayr last weekend to see us struggle against United. He’ll know that pre-season games don’t reveal everything but he will have seen all of Thursday’s starting eleven.
The Fir Park surface has been transformed from the much criticised mess that saw out last season and it will present both teams with the chance to display their best. Many Motherwell fans will miss the game due to holiday commitments and they will have fingers crossed that a a 3rd qualifying fixture will come along in a fortnight. The draw for that round will take place on Friday (16th) and provide a final incentive before next week’s second leg.
Received wisdom is that the standard of football in the SPL is higher than that of the Icelandic league but the dismal results of Scottish teams in European competitions in recent seasons can give no comfort. More in hope than expectation we’ll look for a 2-0 win to start the season with a bang!