Prediction: Shamrock Rovers to win 2-0
Best Odds: 17/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
Shamrock Rovers and Shkupi will face each other in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round this week. The match will be held at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Thursday.
Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers are the biggest and most successful club in the Republic of Ireland. They are well-known abroad for their exploits in European competitions and have a pretty good history in Europe. The Hoops have won the League of Ireland/League of Ireland Premier Division a record 19 times and the FAI Cup as many as 25 times – also a record.
The Rovers won the 2021 League of Ireland Premier Division title. Stephen Bradley’s side picked up 78 points from 36 matches in the league last season, as many as 16 more than second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic. Shamrock Rovers are doing well in the 2022 League of Ireland Premier Division as well. At the moment, they are seven points clear of second-placed Dundalk at the top of the standings.
Shamrock Rovers have more experience than KF Shkupi in Europe and are also playing in a better and more competitive domestic league. That will sway the advantage towards them in the tie.
Team News:
Leon Pöhls, Sean Gannon, Seán Hoare, Dylan Watts and Neil Farrugia all are available for Shamrock Rovers.
Shkupi
KF Shkupi are a big club in the North Macedonia. They are based in Čair, Skopje and play in the Macedonian First Football League – the top tier of football in the country. KF Shkupi won the league title for the first time in their history in 2021-22. They clinched the Macedonian Second League title back in 2014-15.
Shkupi won the 2021–22 Macedonian First Football League quite comfortably in the end. Goce Sedloski’s side picked up 76 points from 33 matches, as many as 12 more than second-placed Akademija Pandev. Shkupi will be favourites to win the championship in North Macedonia this season as well.
KF Shkupi do not have as much experience in Europe as Shamrock Rovers do, and their domestic league is not as good and competitive as the League of Ireland. It is going to be hard for Shkupi to win over two legs.
Team News:
Gagi Margvelashvili, Xhelil Abdulla and Cephas are likely to start for Shkupi.
Key Factors to Consider
- Shamrock Rovers have won 2 of their last 5 matches.
- Shamrock Rovers have lost 1 of their last 5 matches.
- Shamrock Rovers have drawn 2 of their last 5 matches.
- Shkupi have won 2 of their last 5 games.
- Shkupi have lost 2 and drawn 1 of their last 5 games.
Conclusion
Shamrock Rovers have a rich European pedigree, and having the first leg at home will enhance their chances of winning the tie against Shkupi. There is a very good chance that Shamrock Rovers will win the first leg at home quite comfortably.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers to win 2-0
Best Odds: 17/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
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