CONNAH'S Quay Nomads have previous when it comes to ruffling a few Scottish feathers and they were at it again when Kilmarnock came calling.
The Welsh side upset plenty of opponents during their run to last season's Irn-Bru Cup Final, with their industrial brand of football winning them few fans.
It's says a lot when a team from Scotland's fourth tier are branding you long-ball merchants, with Queen's Park keeper Jordan Hart memorably ripping into the Nomads after a loss at Hampden.
But that route-one approach took Andy Morrison's men all the way to the final, where they lost to Ross County, and it came within a whisker of causing a huge upset against Kilmarnock.
Former Juventus, Chelsea and Italy No.2 Angelo Alessio was facing embarrassment in his first game at the Killie helm as his side fell behind to the Nomads in their Europa League qualifier.
That Greg Taylor own goal came with just 14 minutes to go so the upset was very much on the cards but the response from Alessio's side was swift.
Eamonn Brophy levelled from the spot with eight minutes remaining then Stuart Findlay popped up in the second minute of stoppage time to win it for Killie.
That goal was great news for our man Slips Tips, who had backed anyone to score with a header, as two of his three selections came up.
So where is the value to be had in the return as Rugby Park hosts European football for the first time in 18 years? Even Morrison admits his troops now need a “miracle” to go through, which is why Nomads are as a big as 25/1 (Betway) to win on the night.
Kilmarnock are a best 2/17 with Sportinbet to win on the night so you have to be a bit creative to get some value. Alessio's side are just 4/7 (Bet365) to win while keeping a clean sheet but I fancy Nomads to get on the scoresheet as they have no option but to be a bit more offensive.
Their long-ball game could create a few chances so I'll be backing a Kilmarnock win with both teams to score at 12/5 with Betway. Nomads made life tough in the first leg and it could be a similar story here so I'm not expecting the SPFL side to rack up a massive victory. Instead, try a two-goal winning margin for Killie at 10/3 with Bet365.
Chris Burke is one of the few Kilmarnock players with heaps of European experience from his days with Rangers and Birmingham. Try backing the winger for first scorer at 5/1 with William Hill for a decent longer-odds option.
This UEFA Europa League match between Kilmarnock and Connah's Quay Nomads will be played on Jul 18, 2019 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Connah's Quay Nomads prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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