Champions League Qualifier Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Vikingur

Shamrock Rovers

The Hoops will be looking to progress to the second qualifying round of the Champions League with a win on Tuesday night against Icelandic side Vikingur Reykjavik.

After winning their fourth successive league title, Rovers once again qualified for UEFA’s most prestigious domestic competition. With Rovers struggling domestically this season, a European run would be welcomed by all in Tallaght.

Shamrock Rovers know that if they win the tie against the Icelandic champions, they will guarantee another three rounds in Europe this season, and at a minimum, they will have a Europa Conference League play-off on the horizon.

At the same stage last season, Shamrock Rovers lost to Icelandic opposition, with Breidablik defeating the Hoops over two legs. Stephen Bradley’s troops will be looking to right the wrongs of last season this time around.

The game is in the balance after a 0-0 draw in Iceland last week. A tense affair is expected in Tallaght Stadium.

On the injury front, the Irish champions do not come into the game at full strength, with Graham Burke, Markus Poom, Aaron McEneff, and Rory Gaffney all ruled out, while Darragh Nugent is suspended after his dismissal last week.

There is positive news for Rovers fans, with Bradley confirming that Lee Grace is fit to return to the matchday squad for the European clash.

Speaking to the Shamrock Rovers media team, Bradley stated he was happy with last week’s performance in Iceland.

“I thought the large majority of it was really good. We gave up maybe one really clear-cut chance in the game, defended really well, and in the end, attacked well. Then with Johnny Kenny, we could’ve won the game, so overall it was a really good performance.”

This will be the first European game with all four stands at Tallaght Stadium in place. Bradley hopes for a full house on Tuesday night.

“We’re going to need every fan we can get. We know we’re against a good side and how important these games are for Irish clubs and the league going forward. So all the support we have will be really important.”

“We know European nights in Tallaght are special. When our fans show up in their numbers, it can be a very uncomfortable place for away teams to come and play. That’s what we need tomorrow night, for everyone to show up, be loud, and make it uncomfortable for Vikingur.”

Vikingur

The Icelandic outfit won their domestic league in 2023 to secure a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

The Reykjavik side have won the domestic title seven times in their club’s history, twice in the past three seasons. Their domestic form has been excellent this season.

They are currently top with 33 points earned, 10 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 defeat.

Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side have a mixed European record, with their best run in Europe happening during the 2022/23 season, as they reached the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League before losing to Lech Poznań.

Gunnlaugsson admitted he was caught out by how the Hoops approached the first leg last week and is not expecting a repeat in Tallaght.

“They are not used to playing so defensively. They are more like a team that takes the game to an opponent. They dominate the ball in the League of Ireland, so it was kind of surprising.”

The former Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers player is expecting a different approach by the Hoops this time around, however.

“I think it’s going to be a totally different game. Why? Because I don’t think the fans here will allow them to play the way they did in Reykjavik.”

Referee: Jarred Gillett (England)

MATCH STATS

Video Assistant Referee will be used in Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night.

Premier League referee Jarred Gillett will be taking charge of this one, while Peter Bankes and Michael Salisbury will be in the VAR hub.

Tuesday night’s game will see Stephen Bradley take charge of his 39th European game as Shamrock Rovers Head Coach.

PREDICTION

1-0 home win

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Graham Burke, Markus Poom, Aaron McEneff, Rory Gaffney.

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: Darragh Nugent.

Vikingur

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A