Bohemians -v- Thor Akureyri

BOHEMIAN FC

Bohemians go into their Europa League qualifier against Icelandic side Thor Akureyri on Thursday night on the back of their confidence boosting 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers last Friday. But the club’s fans will be aware that the Gypsies have fallen at the first hurdle in their last three European campaigns.

In the last three years Bohs have gone out to Red Bull Salzburg and TNS of Wales, both in the Champions League, and to Olimija Ljubljana in the Europa League. Assistant manager remembers the defeat to the Welsh side particularly. “We were the better team”, he said, “and we got hammered”. Complacency, against a side from the second division of the Icelandic league, is unlikely to be a problem on Thursday.

Speaking about the squad’s attitude to this tie, Heary added, “For most of them this is their first time in Europe and they will be up for it. They will be fully focused and will give a good account of themselves”.

Manager Aaron Callaghan has a mostly fit squad to choose from. Dinny Corcoran is a doubt having taken a knock to his shoulder against the Shamrock Rovers last weekend, and Dwayne Wilson suffered cramp in the same game but is expected to be fit. Defender Derek Pender is also available again, having recovered from a calf strain.

Callaghan insists that his side’s focus in the first leg will be on keeping a clean sheet. “Away goals in European matches are so often crucial. If we can also get a goal or two it will help us going over there”.

THOR AKUREYRI

Thor are from the Northern Icelandic town of Akureyri and they compete in the second tier of the Icelandic League. They qualified for this competition having been beaten finalists in last season’s Icelandic Cup.

Like the league here, the Icelandic League is run over a summer season and Thor have been playing competitive football since May. So far they have played eight league games and lie fourth in the second division table, having lost their last two games.

Despite their position in the second level of their domestic league, Bohemians will not be expecting an easy night at Dalymount. Having viewed some videos of Thor’s league games, Bohs boss Aaron Callaghan described their enthusiasm for the tackle as “leaving little to the imagination.”.

Included in Thor’s squad are players from Serbia, Slovenia and Italy, as well as Robin Stromberg, a Swedish U19 international who is on loan from Mjallby AIF who play in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

Referee: Jovan Kaludjerovic.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have one just one of their last three home European ties. They beat Welsh side TNS 1-0 in 2010, though they went on to lose the away leg 4-0.

You have to go back to 2008 for Bohemians’ last win in European competition, when they beat Welsh side Rhyl 5-1 at Dalymount Park, and 9-3 on aggregate.

In their last four European campaigns, Bohemians have failed to score at home only once, against Red Bull Salzburg in 2009 when they lost 1-0.

BETTING

Bohs 4/11; Draw 3/1; Thor 7/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians to take a narrow lead to Iceland; 1-0.

Bohemians Injury News: Doubt - Dinny Corcoran (shoulder).

Bohemians Suspension News: None.

Thor Injury News: Unavailable.

Thor Suspension News: Unavailable.