Conference League preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Borac Banja Luka
Players, match officials and mascots line up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Shamrock Rovers FC and The New Saints FC at Tallaght Stadium in November 2024 Credit: (Photo by Charles McQuillan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers return to action tonight as they welcome FK Borac Banja Luka to Tallaght Stadium (kick-off 8-m) for their penultimate league stage game in the UEFA Conference League.
Stephen Bradley’s side remain unbeaten in Europe this season, having amassed an impressive eight points from their first four games. After earning draws at home against APOEL and away to Rapid Vienna, Rovers have also secured wins over Larne (away) and The New Saints (home) to put themselves qualifiy for the knockout stages.
A win tonight could see the Hoops dream of a top-eight finish, which would allow them to bypass the play-off round and head straight into the Round of 16. Bradley will be looking to his squad to maintain their momentum in front of an expected fervent home crowd - with over 7,000 tickets sold.
Speaking ahead of the game to shamrockrovers.ie, Bradley said: “Borac have some very good attacking players. Both wide players are excellent, and they’re strong from crosses. They’ve got a rhythm from playing regularly in their league, but with our fans behind us, we believe we can win this game and secure our place in the next round.”
The Hoops will be buoyed by their impressive 1-1 draw in Vienna last time out, where they overcame early fatigue to finish strongly. Bradley believes his team are in good shape despite the extended break since their last competitive fixture.
"The players are back in rhythm," he noted. “We’ve trained well and prepared for this. The squad is in a good place.”
Key players Graham Burke, Danny Mandroiu, and Neil Farrugia have thrived on the European stage this season, and Bradley is likely to lean on their creativity and firepower tonight. However, the manager will be without Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney through injury and new signing Danny Grant is ineligible to play.
— extratime.com (@extratime.com) 10 December 2024 at 22:06
FK BORAC BANJA LUKA
Borac Banja Luka travel to Dublin sitting just one point behind Rovers in the table. The Bosnian outfit secured a 1-0 win over APOEL and three points against LASK, while also picking up a valuable draw against Panathinaikos.
However, they showed vulnerability earlier in the campaign, falling 2-0 to Vikingur Reykjavik.
Manager Nemanja Miljanović will be looking for his side to deliver a disciplined performance, with a draw likely enough to secure their progression to the knockout stages.
Borac’s strengths lie in their aerial threat and crossing ability, with a clear focus on exploiting set pieces and wide areas.
Despite coming off the back of a narrow defeat in a top-of-the-table domestic clash, Borac remain a dangerous opponent and will aim to frustrate Rovers while posing a threat on the counterattack.
— extratime.com (@extratime.com) 10 December 2024 at 20:54
PREDICTION
Shamrock Rovers 2-1 FK Borac Banja Luka
TEAM NEWS
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Aaron McEneff, Rory Gaffney
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
FK Borac Banja Luka
Injured: None reported
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
— extratime.com (@extratime.com) 11 December 2024 at 20:42
About Rory Merriman
Rory Merriman is a St. Patrick’s Athletic fan who studied journalism in TU Dublin and has written for numerous publications both online and print. He joined the extratime.com team in 2023. View Full Profile