Shamrock Rovers vs The New Saints
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 17:45 Nov 7, 2024, Tallaght Stadium
A pivotal UEFA Conference League encounter awaits as Shamrock Rovers welcome The New Saints to Tallaght Stadium on Thursday evening. The hosts, currently positioned 10th, seek to maintain their unbeaten European run against a TNS side who've already raised plenty of eyebrows!
With that in mind, what could materialise on Thursday, and what are the markets showing?
How the bookies view it: Shamrock Rovers favoured
As you’d probably expect, the market firmly backs the Dublin outfit ahead of this match, reflecting their accomplished European campaign thus far. With back-to-back wins and five goals scored, the bookies have them priced at 8/11 for the win. As for The New Saints, despite their momentum and surprisingly strong results in the tournament so far, they are major underdogs at 4/1.
Head-to-head: The start of a new rivalry
This fixture marks uncharted territory for both clubs, representing their first competitive meeting in European competition. TNS arrive having shattered expectations already, establishing themselves as Welsh football's major force in European competition. That said, Shamrock Rovers remain undefeated in their previous six matches.
Therefore, we have two teams who will both fancy their chances against the other in what will be the very first battle between these sides.
Players to watch: Graham Burke and Declan McManus
Graham Burke has been instrumental in Shamrock's European campaign up to this point, displaying his attacking skills and creative play in both of their openers. His goal-scoring contribution in the 4-1 victory over Larne FC highlighted his importance to the team's offensive setup, and he's expected to play a crucial role in this encounter.
For the visitors, Declan McManus will inevitably be full of confidence after finding the net in The New Saints' historic 2-0 triumph over Astana – even if it was a penalty. And given his dynamic partnership with Rory Holden, we feel he could get chances in this one.
Predicted lineups
Shamrock Rovers are likely to be without Daniel Mandroiu, who sustained an injury against Dundalk in late October. Yet, the hosts are expected to maintain consistency with their successful lineup from the Larne victory, featuring Kenny and Burke in attack. As for The New Saints, buoyed by their recent success, are likely to stick with their winning formula, deploying Holden, McManus, and Brobbell in a dynamic front three.
Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:
Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Burns, McEneff, Poom, Honohan; Nugent; Burke, Kenny
The New Saints possible starting lineup:
Roberts; Daniels, Davies, Bodenham, Redmond; Smith, D Williams, J Williams; Holden, McManus, Brobbell
Anything else catch the eye?
The stats tell an intriguing tale ahead of this one. TNS are riding a seven-game win streak across all competitions, yet they have conceded in each of their last three games. At the same time, Shamrock Rovers welcome the Welsh squad following a string of five straight wins.
Both teams have hit the target regularly in their European adventures so far, too. The hosts have scored 5 goals in 2 games while TNS have found the net twice in two matches. Therefore, a ‘both teams to score’ wager seems like a strong call for this clash.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Shamrock Rovers and The New Saints will be played on Nov 7, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Shamrock Rovers vs The New Saints prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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