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The New Saints vs Sabah: prediction and odds

Europe Champions League · Europe · 14 July 2026
The New Saints logoThe New Saints
1:2
1st half: 0:2
14.07.2026 18:30
Sabah logoSabah

Match events

5′
🟨Ivan Lepinjica
28′
0:1Joy Lance Mickels
42′
0:2Rehman Dashdemirov
Rhys Hughes🟨
48′
Ryan Brobbell🟨
72′
Josh Lock1:2
89′

Match statistics: The New Saints vs Sabah

The New SaintsSabah
46Ball possession, %54
10Shots12
4Shots on target6
3Corners3
7Fouls7
3Offsides4
2Yellow cards1
0Red cards0
82Attacks73
49Dangerous attacks47

💡 Match preview The New Saints vs Sabah

The first leg of the Champions League qualifying tie between The New Saints and Sabah ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Azerbaijani side, leaving the Welsh champions with a mountain to climb. Now, with the return leg at Park Hall, where The New Saints have won eight of their last ten matches across all competitions, the question is whether home support can inspire a remarkable comeback or if Sabah will seal the deal and advance to the next round.

The New Saints Looked Helpless

In the first leg, The New Saints predictably set up defensively, hoping to frustrate their more technically gifted opponents. For much of the match, this approach worked, but the dam finally broke in the 66th minute when Sabah opened the scoring. A second goal late in the game compounded the misery, as the Welsh side simply could not withstand the sustained pressure from a superior team.

What is far more concerning, however, is the complete lack of attacking threat. Over the 90 minutes, The New Saints managed just two shots, only one of which was on target, and neither posed any real danger. The attacking players were completely anonymous, including new signing Rhys Hughes, who was forced to spend most of his time tracking back defensively. In the second half, the club did not register a single shot. Manager Craig Harrison’s decision to introduce experienced striker Ryan Brobbel in the 68th minute failed to spark any improvement, as the forward was isolated and cut off from service due to Sabah’s high pressing.

Harrison clearly needs to make significant changes to his attacking approach in the return leg; otherwise, overturning a two-goal deficit will be an almost insurmountable challenge. The only hope lies in the home advantage and an early onslaught, something the Welsh side has shown they can produce in front of their own fans. They have scored within the first 25 minutes in five of their last seven home matches.

Successful Champions League Debut

For Sabah, the primary objective ahead of their historic Champions League debut was to avoid underestimating their opponents. Manager Valdas Dambrauskas’s men handled this task with composure and professionalism. From the first whistle, Sabah took control of the ball and never relinquished their grip: they enjoyed 75% possession, fired 14 shots (five on target) compared to The New Saints’ two (one on target), and earned 11 corners against the Welsh side’s two.

The team applied pressure not only through the center but also effectively utilized the flanks. Aaron Malouda and Veljko Simić were particularly influential. While Malouda failed to register a goal or assist, Simić was involved in both of his team’s goals. The Serbian first scored himself and then provided an assist for substitute Kahhim Parris.

This dominant performance was built on solid preparation. Sabah played three pre-season friendlies, drawing with Romanian side Craiova (1-1) and Hungarian giants Ferencváros (1-1), while losing to Ukrainian side Polissya Zhytomyr (1-4). Despite mixed results, these matches allowed the team to test tactical systems and build chemistry between players, which paid dividends in their first competitive fixture of the season. Now, the visitors must protect their two-goal advantage to secure a place in the second qualifying round of the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Referee: Mateo Busquets Ferrer (Spain)

The Spanish official is known as a strict referee. In the past season, across 28 matches, he brandished 140 yellow cards (an average of five per game), sent off nine players, and awarded nine penalties. He has no prior experience officiating Champions League matches.

Predicted Lineups

The New Saints: Roberts; Daniels, Davies, Astles, Redmond; Smith, Williams, Clark; Hughes, McManus, Brobbel

Sabah: Balayev; Seydiyev, Khvalko, Kryvotsyuk, Israfilov; Jamalov, Mickels; Malouda, Simić, Volkovi; Parris

Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: Sabah to Win at Odds of 1.54

Home support is perhaps the only factor working in favor of The New Saints. However, the comfort of familiar surroundings has only helped the Welsh side domestically; in European competition, it has not been enough. The New Saints have failed to win in their last four European matches (three defeats and one draw). Sabah, on the other hand, not only completely dominated their opponents in the first leg but also excel on the road. The Azerbaijani side is unbeaten in 19 official away matches, winning 13 of them. Given the clear difference in class, we believe Sabah will once again overcome their opponent. Our selection: Sabah to Win at 1.54.

Total Goals Prediction: Sabah Over 1.5 Goals at Odds of 1.53

In pre-season friendlies, The New Saints showed defensive frailties, conceding in all three matches, including two goals against Bangor 1876, a team from the Welsh regional league. Unsurprisingly, even when they parked the bus against Sabah in the first leg, they could not withstand the pressure and conceded twice. Now, forced to open up and push forward, the Welsh side will leave gaps at the back. This will give Sabah additional space in the final third, which they will surely exploit. The bet on Sabah’s Individual Total Over 1.5 Goals at 1.53 looks promising.

Match odds The New Saints vs Sabah

Result (1X2)

X4.3515.721.54

Double chance

1X2.47X21.14121.21

Both teams to score

No2.08Yes1.65

Over

21.2231.9243.62571.51.152.51.553.52.54.54.155.57.6

Under

23.5831.7841.2451.051.54.42.52.233.51.534.51.175.51.04

Handicap 1

03.9811.8821.2331.041.51.52.51.163.51.02

Handicap 2

01.17-11.86-23.44-37.2-1.52.32-2.54.15-3.57.8

Correct score

0:016.50:18.10:28.20:311.50:4210:5461:017.51:17.91:27.71:311.51:4211:5462:0352:116.52:214.52:3212:4413:1463:243

Predictions for The New Saints vs Sabah

JO John Ogundipe Over 2.5odds 1.54 Won

I expect at least three goals in this match. The first leg ended 2-0 for Sabah, and they dominated that game completely. Now The New Saints have no choice but to attack from the first minute—they need at least two goals just to force extra time, which will leave them exposed at the back. Sabah, with their lead, will sit back and wait for counterattacking opportunities. The stats back this up: in their last 60 home matches, The New Saints have seen over 2.5 goals in 44 games, while Sabah have hit that mark in 35 of their last 60 away fixtures. Both teams are in good attacking form, and crucially, Sabah have scored in seven consecutive matches—they’ll find the net here. The New Saints are tough at home in European competition, losing only twice in their last seven, so they’ll push hard. Even if Sabah tries to sit on their lead, it won’t hold. The Welsh side held out for nearly an hour in the first leg but still conceded, and now they’re forced to attack, which will create chances at both ends. Once The New Saints score, the game will open up completely, and the goals will flow.

AA Adewale Adebayo Correct score 1:2odds 7.70 Won

Today in Champions League qualification, Sabah faces The New Saints. The first leg ended 2-0 for Sabah, and I'm confident they'll win again, but this time with a bigger margin. Sabah's players are simply a class above—they're the champions of Azerbaijan, having finally dethroned Qarabag. Even with some departures, they've replaced players just as well. A win by one goal is a solid bet; Sabah's attack is too strong, and they can't afford an early exit against this opponent.

However, The New Saints are dangerous on set pieces, so Sabah will need to defend well to avoid conceding too many. I expect a lively match with plenty of passes. Ultimately, I believe Sabah will win today, but they'll let in a goal.

JM Joseph Mohammed Result: 1odds 5.80 Lost

I'm confident the hosts will give everything they have with the support of their home crowd. That's the key factor here—playing in front of their own fans will push them to a higher level, and I expect them to come out strong and determined.

GE Gabriel Ekwueme Yellow cards: Over 4odds 1.73 Lost

I predict that the home team can only get a result by playing on emotion. With a strict referee in charge, they won't win through technical or tactical superiority—they need intensity and passion to break through. That's their only path to success here.

UO Usman Okonkwo Corners: Team 2 over 4.5odds 1.69 Lost

I'm betting on Sabah to take at least 5 corner kicks in the second leg. In the first match, they delivered 11 corners, and while the away team will likely sit back and defend, I still expect them to get forward enough to hit this mark. The defensive setup from the opponent won't stop Sabah from creating set-piece opportunities, so I'm confident in this line.

IB Ifeanyi Bello Yellow cards: Result: 2odds 2.45 Lost

New Saints are strong at home, and I expect them to control the game from the start. The visitors will focus on defending deep, making it hard for New Saints to break them down quickly. I'm betting on New Saints to win with a clean sheet, as their home form and the visitors' defensive approach align perfectly for a controlled victory.

BA Biodun Amadi Handicap 2 (-1)odds 1.95 Void

I'm predicting Sabah will win. I believe they'll handle the Welsh side comfortably. We'll see how it plays out.

UA Uche Ademola Under 2.5odds 2.17 Lost

I'm betting on under 2.5 goals in this match. Both teams have strong defenses and recent games have been low-scoring, with key attackers out of form. The head-to-head history also shows a clear trend toward tight, defensive affairs. I'm confident this will be a disciplined, cautious contest with few chances.

SI Suleiman Ibe Result: 2odds 1.59 Won

I'm confident Sabah is the superior side in this matchup today. Their class advantage makes them the clear pick.

TA Tunde Adekunle Handicap 2 (-1.5)odds 2.39 Lost

I am confident that Sabah will secure a convincing victory, covering the -1.5 goal handicap. The team has the attacking quality and defensive solidity to dominate the match and win by at least two goals.

AN Adewale Nwosu Both teams to score — Noodds 2.10 Lost

I'm backing the away team to win to nil. Their defense has been rock solid, and the home side lacks the firepower to break through. Simple and confident—this clean sheet victory is coming.

OO Oluwaseun Obi Under 3odds 1.77 Void

I'm predicting the under 2.5 goals in this match. The season hasn't fully kicked off for these teams yet, and goals are hard to come by. Both sides are still finding their rhythm, so I expect a low-scoring affair.

KF Kayode Fashola Double chance: 1Xodds 2.35 Lost

I'm confident The New Saints won't lose this match, especially with the backing of their home fans. The atmosphere and support give them a real edge, and I see them holding their ground or even securing a win.

YT Yusuf Tanko Correct score 1:1odds 7.50 Lost

I'm confident this outcome is probable. The evidence strongly supports my assessment, and I see no compelling reasons to doubt it.

UO Usman Obi Double chance: 1Xodds 2.38 Lost

I'm confident that the Welsh team won't lose at home. A defeat here would be disastrous for them, and they know it.

SN Samuel Nnaji Both teams to score — Noodds 2.10 Lost

I'm betting on "Both Teams to Score: No." One of the teams simply won't find the net.

IB Ifeanyi Balogun Handicap 2 (-1)odds 1.93 Void

I confidently predict that both teams will find the net. The match is set for an open exchange of goals, and I see no reason for a clean sheet.

NB Nnamdi Bello Over 2odds 1.23 Won

I'm betting on over 2 goals in this football match. Both clubs have the attacking firepower to push the total over, and I expect an open, high-scoring game.

KO Kingsley Ogunleye Double chance: 1Xodds 2.40 Lost

I predict there will be more. The trend is clear—current data points consistently upward, and historical patterns confirm this trajectory. My analysis leaves no doubt: the increase is inevitable.

NM Nnamdi Madu Result: 2odds 1.54 Won

I'm betting that Sabah will focus heavily on defense but still pose a consistent threat on the counterattack against the hosts. Their disciplined structure will absorb pressure, and their speed on the break will catch the home side off guard multiple times.

KO Kingsley Olaniyan Over 3.5odds 2.50 Lost

I predict there will be many goals in this match. Both teams are strong in attack and consistently score, so this bet should land without any trouble.

US Usman Salami Team 2 over 2odds 1.96 Void

I am confident that Sabah will score at least two goals in the return leg against The New Saints.

CL Chinedu Lawal Result: 1odds 5.70 Pending

I'm betting the opposite. I was leaning towards over/under or an away win, but home advantage could tip the scales.

Match poster

The New Saints vs Sabah — odds