Preview: Shamrock Rovers vs KF Ballkani - prediction, team news, lineups

Shamrock Rovers will attempt to overturn a narrow deficit when they play host KF Ballkani in Thursday's second leg in the third round of Conference League qualifying.

The visitors know that they simply have to avoid defeat to progress after claiming a 1-0 victory in last week's first leg in Kosovo.

Match preview

Shamrock Rovers have reached the Conference League main draw in two of the past three seasons, including an impressive showing in the 2024-25 competition, as they successfully navigated their way through the league phase before being defeated by Molde in the knockout playoff round.

They made a commanding start to their latest European journey, claiming a 4-0 aggregate victory over St Joseph's to ease through the second qualifying round.

However, they will have significant work to do to set up a playoff round tie against Santa Clara or Larne after falling to a 1-0 defeat in last week's away clash against Ballkani.

Stephen Bradley's side drew another blank in Sunday's goalless draw against Galway United, although they still boast a significant 10-point lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

After playing consecutive away games, Shamrock Rovers will now return to the familiar surroundings of Tallaght Stadium, where they have won seven and drawn three of their previous 10 competitive home matches.

Rovers have also kept clean sheets in each of their last four home games, and they will hope that a strong defence can provide the foundation for a turnaround on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ballkani are bidding to feature in the Conference League proper for the third time after previously appearing in the main draw in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The Kosovan outfit fell in the third qualifying round of last season's competition, losing on penalties to Northern Irish side Larne following a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

They are back competing at the same stage of qualifying after pulling off a 5-3 victory in their opening qualifier against Floriana.

Ballkani went on to enjoy more success in last week's first leg against Shamrock Rovers, with Sunday Adetunji scoring the decisive goal in the 56th minute in Pristina.

In contrast to their opponents, Ballkani have had a full week to prepare for the second leg due to the fact that their domestic campaign will not get underway until Sunday's away meeting with Gjilani.

The visitors may fancy their chances of avoiding defeat on Thursday, having won three and drawn one of their previous four European away games.

Shamrock Rovers Conference League form:

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Shamrock Rovers form (all competitions):

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KF Ballkani Conference League form:

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Team News

Shamrock Rovers are unable to call upon midfielder Aaron McEneff, who has missed the last two matches through injury.

Forward Graham Burke will be hoping to prove his fitness in time for Thursday's contest after sitting out the previous three competitive games.

After making changes at the weekend, Bradley could recall Josh Honohan, Daniel Mandroiu, Dylan Watts, Daniel Grant and Rory Gaffney.

Meanwhile, Ballkani defender Ivica Batarelo is a doubt after being forced off in the first half of the home leg.

If Batarelo is unable to feature, Bajram Jashanica will come into the side to partner Gentrit Halili in central defence.

Adejunji will continue to lead the line for the visitors, having scored four goals in Ballkani's opening three European matches of the 2025-26 season.

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGinty; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Honohan, Nugent, Healy, Mandroiu, Watts; Grant, Gaffney

KF Ballkani possible starting lineup:

Golubovic, Smajli, Halili, Jashanica, Potoku; Deliu, Giovanni, Diene; Hamidi, Kryeziu, Adetunji

We say: Shamrock Rovers 1-1 KF Ballkani (Ballkani to win 2-1 on aggregate)

We expect Thursday's contest to be a close-fought affair like last week's first leg, and having avoided defeat in each of their last four European away games, we think that Ballkani will do enough to hold Shamrock Rovers to a draw to seal their place in the next round.

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