Saints Hoping to Make Most of Sofia Turmoil

Europa League Play-Off - CSKA Sofia v The New Saints

Europa League play-off first leg

Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia. 19:30

The New Saints will be hoping to make the most of the turmoil at Europa League play-off opponents CSKA Sofia in this evening's first leg.

Boss Pavel Dochev quit the Bulgarian side on Monday after a poor start to the season, so his assistant Sasho Borisov is in temporary charge and the club were also at the centre or a player eligibility row in their League and with UEFA this week.

"It's probably one of the better draws we could've had if we're looking to progress," said boss Mike Davies to the BBC.

"We are going to be underdogs like we have been previously."

The New Saints are in the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League at the third-round qualifying stage by Anderlecht earlier this month.

The Principality Welsh Premier League champions are the lowest-ranked team in the competition and are vying for a place in the group stages where they could come face to face with the likes of big-spending Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven or Borussia Dortmund.

Left-back Chris Marriott is ruled out, so Tommy Holmes should start at the back with his younger brother Danny occupying the other full-back role. Midfielder Aeron Edwards has a knee injury so he is unlikley to make the bench.

CSKA Sofia striker Spas Delev has been cleared to play after doubts over his ineligibility in the last round were unfounded.

"There's no easy draws whatsoever," added Davies. "We are the lowest ranked team to be left in the competition and that says it all."

TNS (probable): Paul Harrison; Danny Holmes, Steve Evans (c), Phil Baker, Tommy Holmes; Craig Jones, Barry Hogan, Scott Ruscoe, Chris Seargeant; Matthew Williams; Chris Sharp