Rovers begin their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign with a first-round clash against Breidablik. The League of Ireland champions are well experienced at this stage of the competition and should have the upper hand over their Icelandic visitors.
Shamrock Rovers are in the UEFA Champions League after winning the League of Ireland title last season. They have won the last three titles and while success on the continent has been limited, this stage of the competition is usually navigated with ease.
The Hoops do not head into Tuesday’s clash in the best form having failed to win their last two matches. However, they seem to maintain a solid home record, winning six of their last seven matches at Tallaght Stadium and keeping clean sheets in the last three fixtures in that run.
Shamrock Rovers’ home record is not just limited to domestic fixtures as they have won their last three home matches during the Champions league qualifiers. They will be confident of getting a first leg advantage over their Icelandic counterparts.
Breidablik have already begun their Champions League campaign and had to win two matches in the preliminary rounds to book their place in Tuesday’s clash. It was a cruise in both fixtures as they thrashed Tre Penne Galazzano 7-1 before easing past Buducnost Podgorica 5-1.
Like Shamrock Rovers, are also coming into this clash as champions having won the Icelandic league title last season. However, Oskar Thorvaldsson’s men have not been as consistent at earning league titles as their Irish counterparts, which means their experience in European competition is limited.
Breidablik’s last European campaign came back in 2013 when they reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League. They have never reached the group phase of any European competition and may find the step up in quality at the qualifying stage a bit overwhelming.
How the bookies view it
Shamrock Rovers are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win procedure at 4/5 by William Hill. A victory for Breidablik is valued at 7/2 by Paddy Power while a draw is set at odds of 3/1 by bet365.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Shamrock Rovers and Breidablik.
Players to watch
Rory Gaffney often leads the line for Shamrock Rovers and has found the net three times in his last six matches across all competitions. With Graham Burke providing support, the hosts could be backed to produce over 1.5 goals at 22/25 with Unibet.
Shamrock Rovers have also been solid at the back lately, particularly at Tallaght Stadium, where they have not conceded in their last three matches. Daniel Cleary and Sean Hoare often feature in defence and can lead the hosts to another clean sheet at 11/8 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Shamrock Rovers’ solid defensive record, BTTS NO can be considered at 21/20 with BoyleSports. The Irish champions have won to nil in their last three home matches and can be set for a repeat at 11/5 with Coral.
Shamrock Rovers are likely to have too much attacking quality for Breidablik and can be set for a -1 handicap at 11/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Shamrock Rovers and Breidablik will be played on and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Shamrock Rovers vs Breidablik prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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