Shamrock Rovers begin their Champions League campaign with a first-round qualifying tie against Maltese Premier League champions Hibernians. They are heavy favourites to advance to the next round with kickoff at 9:30 pm.
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to continue their domestic form in Europe, where they are currently 10 points clear at the top of the League of Ireland Premier table. A Rory Gaffney goal in first-half stoppage time of Friday’s contest against Finn Harps ensured that Shamrock Rovers have emerged victorious from their previous three competitive games.
With the Irish champions currently enjoying a fine run of form, they will be hopeful of bettering last year’s Champions League first-round qualifying exit.
Slovan Bratislava got the better of Shamrock Rovers on that occasion, resulting in the Irish side dropping down to the Europa Conference League where they progressed to the playoff round before losing to Flora.
Although they lost to Slovan Bratislava last season, Shamrock Rovers managed to pick up a 2-1 home victory before losing 2-0 in Slovakia, which gives them confidence going into this match against the Slovakian side.
Shamrock vs Hibernians Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face against each other and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Finn Harps 0-1 Shamrock
- Patricks 1-2 Shamrock
- Bohemian 0-1 Shamrock
- Cliftonville 0-1 Shamrock
Away
- Floriana 2-1 Hibernians
- Gzira United 2-1 Hibernians
- Hibernians 3-1 Birkirkara
- Gudja 0-2 Hibernians
Shamrock Team News
Shamrock Rovers will be without the services of Jack Byrne, who has been out since May due to a calf problem, while Danny Mandroiu is expected to miss out through injury. The hosts are hoping that Neil Farrugia is at least fit enough to feature in the squad.
Hibernian Team News
Hibernians have made a number of signings this summer, including Lorenzo Fonseca and Andreas Laursen. Both could feature in the first leg, which will be played at Hibernians’ stadium. Terence Groothusen has also signed for the club and will lead the line for Hibernians in their European debut.
Prediction and Odds
Shamrock Rovers will be better prepared to claim a first leg win than the Hibernians, who have played two friendlies in preparation for Tuesday’s contest.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
