Prediction: Ferencvaros vs Shamrock Rovers

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Now turning their attention to Europa Conference League qualifying duties on Thursday evening, Shamrock Rovers will travel out to Budapest in midweek when they meet Ferencvaros.

Ferencvaros

Starting with the hosts, crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers last week following what was an infamous second-leg collapse on home soil, Ferencvaros will know the importance of claiming an immediate response on Thursday evening. Eventually getting hit with a woeful 3-0 drumming at the hands of Faroese outfit Klaksvik, Csaba Mate’s men have shown some extended inconsistencies during their summer run. While the Hungarian giants might have eventually cruised their way to yet another domestic crown last season, the midweek hosts have recorded just a single win from their previous five appearances continuing on from their pre-season preparations. Drawing back-to-back blanks against Klaksvik last week and seeking a clinical edge in the final third, Ferencvaros will know the importance of picking up a first-leg victory here.

Team News

While attacking talisman Barnabas Varga might have drawn back-to-back European strikes against Klaksvik this month, the Hungarian international will spearhead Ferencvaros’ charge here.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in Budapest last week, one-time Chapecoense starlet Marquinhos should be handed a full recall on Thursday night.

Shamrock Rovers

As for the visitors, also crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers last week following a heartbreak 3-1 aggregate defeat against Breidablik, Shamrock find themselves in the midst of an extended crisis. Although the Irish giants might remain as a landslide contender to defend their Premier Division crown in 2023, the Rovers have failed to win any of their last five straight appearances across all competitions – their longest winless run since the start of March – Stephen Bradley’s side are seeking a crucial boost here. However, last seen crashing out of the FAI Cup following a toothless 1-0 defeat away at Dundalk, Shamrock have shown their own continued issues in the final third. Including a first-leg 1-0 loss at the hands of Breidablik earlier in the month, it should be noted that Thursday’s guests have bagged just a single strike on their five-match winless rut.

Team News

In what looks set to be a huge blow for Shamrock on Thursday night, the Irish champions have confirmed that the duo of Jack Byrne and Neil Farrugia will miss out here.

Likewise, limping off after just four minutes while on FAI Cup duties last weekend, the Rovers are sweating over the fitness of former Salford striker Rory Gaffney when they travel to Budapest.

Key Factors to Consider

• Crashing out of the FAI Cup at the hands of Dundalk last weekend, Shamrock have failed to win any of their last five appearances across all competitions.
• The Rovers have also managed to muster just a single strike on that five-match winless rut.
• Including their pre-season preparations, Ferencvaros have picked up just a single win from their previous five appearances.
• Continuing on from last season, Thursday’s hosts have bagged just one goal in their last five competitive showdowns.
• Shamrock have failed to win any of their five matchups away from the Tallaght Stadium since returning from June’s international break.

Conclusion

Two sides who suffered major Champions League qualifying heartbreak last week, both Ferencvaros and Shamrock are seeking a crucial boost. However, with the Irish giants in the midst of their longest winless run since the start of March, chances could come at a premium here. With the Rovers notching just a single strike on their five-match winless rut, it should also be noted that the midweek hosts have shown their own respective attacking issues. In fact, continuing on from last season, it should be noted that Ferencvaros have bagged just a sole strike in their previous five competitive showdowns.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet