Prediction: The match ends 1-1
Best odds: 4/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
Shamrock Rovers and Slovan Bratislava will face off in the first qualifying round of the Champions League this week. The match will take place on Tuesday at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium and is expected to start at 20:00 UK time.
Shamrock Rovers
The Shamrock Rovers are facing a tough battle as they try to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The Premier Division of the League of Ireland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Slovan Bratislava the first leg of last week. Rafael Ratao scored both goals for the Slovakian champions, who are now in the driving team.
Team news:
Neil Farrugia is on the bench with a hip injury, while midfielder Chris McCann may be missing. Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene and Gary O’Neill will likely start.
Slovan Bratislava
Slovan Bratislava won the first leg against Shamrock Rovers with relative ease. Ratao scored one goal in each half and Vladimír Weiss’s side will be confident of getting the job done in the second leg. Sure, there’s always a chance Shamrock Rovers will score twice, but the Slovakian champions only have to find the bottom of the net once to make the home side virtually impossible.
Team news:
There are no concerns about injury or disqualification for Slovan Bratislava. Rabiu Ibrahim, Ratao, David Strelec and Ezekiel Henty should all start.
Key factors to consider
- Shamrock Rovers and Slovan Bratislava only met once, last week.
- Slovan Bratislava has remained unbeaten in the last five games.
- Shamrock Rovers have lost two of their last five games.
Conclusion
The Shamrock Rovers will have the home advantage and will likely score once. However, Stephen Bradley’s side are unlikely to win the game with three clear goals.
Prediction: The match ends 1-1
Best odds: 4/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
