The second leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round takes place late on Thursday night, with Ilves returning home to face Dudelange. Ilves are juggling multiple competitions and have now gone several matches without a win, leaving them physically and mentally drained heading into this home game.
Although Ilves held Dudelange to a 0-0 draw away from home in the first leg, their recent form has been poor, with two draws and three defeats in their last five matches in all competitions. Their defensive struggles have been the main reason for that run, with the team conceding an average of two goals per game across those five winless outings, exposing serious problems at the back.
Ilves have also shown a clear decline in attack, with the forward line failing to deliver. On top of that, they still have to split their focus with the Finnish top flight, where they currently sit only in the lower half of the table. With their attention stretched, Ilves look set for another difficult night.
Dudelange, meanwhile, lost to Differdange in a penalty shootout in the Luxembourg Super Cup before producing strong displays in their next two friendlies. After the goalless draw at home in the first leg against Ilves, they have now gone six straight matches unbeaten in normal time across all competitions, giving them a solid platform coming into this trip.
One player to watch for Dudelange is forward McCormack, who scored 11 league goals for the club last season and offers a reliable threat in front of goal. Away to Ilves, he has the ability to make the difference and help his side take the win.