Both looking to build on wins in the last round of Conference League fixtures, Shamrock Rovers will take on The New Saints for matchday three of the league phase on Thursday evening.
The hosts are sitting 10th in the table with four points from two games, while the visitors are 19th with three points from their opening two matches.
Match preview
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Shamrock Rovers' league season concluded at the start of this month, and although they secured a 2-1 victory over Waterford FC to end the campaign with 61 points, they ultimately had to settle for a disappointing second place.
That marks their first year without a league title since placing second in 2019, bringing an end to their four-year domination of the League of Ireland Premier division.
Stephen Bradley's side will have to overcome that setback as their focus shifts back to the league phase of the Conference League, which the Rovers have enjoyed a superb start to.
Shamrock currently sit 10th in the table with four points from the first two games, with a win against Larne FC and a draw with APOEL Nicosia, and they will aim to extend their unbeaten start against New Saints before matches against Rapid Wien, Borac Banja Luka and Chelsea.
As for The New Saints, they have had a phenomenal start to the 2024-25 season as they secured their place in the league phase of the Conference League by beating Panevezys 3-0 on aggregate in the qualification playoff round.
That saw them not only secure their place in a European competition for the first time in their history but also become the first side playing in the Welsh league system to qualify for the group stage or league phase of a European tournament.
Craig Harrison's men lost 2-0 in their opening match against Fiorentina but secured a historic triumph against Astana last time out, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Rory Holden and Declan McManus.
That victory was their fourth in an ongoing run of seven successive wins across all competitions, and The New Saints will look to extend that run and secure a fantastic second victory in the Conference League on Thursday.
Team News
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Daniel Mandroiu was absent from the squad for Shamrock's 2-1 win against Waterford after sustaining an injury against Dundalk at the end of October, and the midfielder could remain sidelined for this one.
After beating Larne 4-1 in their last Conference League outing, Bradley could decide to name a similar side in this one, with goalscorers Johnny Kenny and Graham Burke continuing in attack.
As for The New Saints, having recorded a historic first-ever triumph in the league phase of a European competition against Astana last time out, Harrison could name the same team here.
Holden and McManus both scored in that game, and they are likely to partner Ryan Brobbell as part of a front three for this match.
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
We say: Shamrock Rovers 3-1 The New Saints
While the New Saints will undoubtedly be boosted by their win against Astana, the hosts are much more accomplished in European football, and we believe they will comfortably win this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
