Shamrock Rovers and KF Shkupi Clash for Place in Europa League Playoffs

Shamrock Rovers vs FK Shkupi - 04/08/2022

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We have seven fixtures to enjoy in the Europa League third qualifying round on the 4th of August, including the meeting between Shamrock Rovers and KF Shkupi.

This is the first leg of the tie and it will be played at Tallaght Stadium in Ireland, giving Shamrock Rovers the home advantage.

Shamrock Rovers come into the game on the back of a comfortable 4-0 win over Bangor GGFC in the first round of the FAI Cup on the weekend.

Three of the 4 goals were scored in the second half and that result means Shamrock Rovers are undefeated in 8 of their last 9 competitive matches.

Prior to the cup win on the weekend, Shamrock Rovers defeated Ludogorets at home in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

Shamrock Rovers found themselves 2-0 up in the 88th minute against ten men but could not score the crucial third goal to take the tie into extra time. It was the Bulgarian club who scored the third goal of the game to seal their place in the third round.

Shamrock Rovers have plenty of prior experience in the Europa League and in 2020, they drew AC Milan at home in the second qualifying round, losing 2-0. Trends show Shamrock Rovers are undefeated in 3 of their last 4 home Europa League games, with wins coming over Brann, Apollon, and Ilves.

KF Shkupi make the trip to Dublin having been eliminated from the Champions League by Dinamo Zagreb at the second qualifying round stage.

KF Shkupi were in a good position following a 2-2 draw in the first leg and scored an 89th minute equaliser in that game. However, things did not go according to plan in the home leg and Dinamo Zagreb scored the only goal of the game 2 minutes into the second half.

KF Shkupi have played only 4 competitive fixtures this season as the First League season in Macedonia has yet to begin. They met Lincoln Red Imps in the first qualifying round of the Champions League and won the home leg 3-0 before going down 2-0 in the second leg.

This will be the sixth fixture in the Europa League for KF Shkupi and they have yet to win a match. Their away record shows 2 defeats and one draw, with the most recent fixture being a 2-1 defeat at Neftchi Baku in 2020.

Team news and Shamrock Rovers will be looking towards experienced striker Rory Gaffney for goals with Graham Burke also an option in attack.

KF Shkupi have Sunday Adetunji in their ranks and he was the top goal scorer in the North Macedonia First League last season. He is likely to be joined by Renaldo Cephas in attack.

It is tough to pick a winner between these two teams and we could be in for a low scoring affair. We expect to see under 1.5 goals scored and if one team is going to break the deadlock, it could be KF Shkupi.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

UEL

Shamrock Rovers FK Shkupi 04/08/2022 21:00

352045

2

0 - 1

2.05

16°

3.20

2.15 3.25 3.20 no no no

FT

3 - 1(2 - 0)

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