Shamrock Rovers take on the visitors Breidablik in the first leg of 1/8-finals in UEFA Champions League qualification playoffs. The match will be played on Tuesday, June 11th at Tallaght Stadium (Dublin).
Shamrock Rovers are one of the most popular football clubs in Ireland. The Hoops are also the most successful team in the Irish Premier Division. In the previous season, under the guidance of Stephen Bradley, they secured their 20th league title. Currently, Shamrock Rovers is leading the domestic championship confidently, with a four-point advantage over their closest pursuer, St. Patrick's. However, in their last five matches, they have only recorded two wins, along with two draws and one defeat. In terms of international achievements, the Irish team's record is modest. Their most notable success was participating in the group stage of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League and last year's participation in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League (finishing last).
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Breidablik is an Icelandic football club based in Kópavogur and the reigning champion of Iceland. It is worth mentioning that winning the top division in Iceland last season was only the second title in Breidablik history. Currently, Breidablik is in third place in the Icelandic championship, trailing the leader, Víkingur, by ten points and second-placed Valur by two points. Additionally, Breidablik suffered a defeat in the semifinals of the Icelandic Cup against KA Akureyri (3-4 after extra time). Oscar Thorvaldsson's team made their debut in European competitions this season. In the preliminary qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, Breidablik defeated San Marino's Tre Penne (7-1) and Montenegro's Budućnost (5-0). Generally, Breidablik does not typically progress beyond the second qualifying round in European competitions.
Judging by the level of their respective leagues, these two teams appear relatively evenly matched and in similar form. However, a slight advantage should be given to the home team since Irish clubs tend to be strong in home matches. For example, in the previous UEFA Europa League campaign, Shamrock Rovers earned their two points in the group stage at home (draws against Gent and Djurgårdens). Nevertheless, considering how easily Breiðablik progressed through the preliminary round, they should not be underestimated. Based on these factors, I cautiously lean towards Shamrock Rovers avoiding defeat and at least two goals being scored in the match. Breiðablik, like other Icelandic teams, tend to play an attacking style, while Shamrock Rovers, as the league leaders, have scored a decent number of goals at home (27 goals), although they have also conceded quite a few (15 goals in 12 matches). My prediction: 1X + Over 1.5 goals.
Prediction for the match: Shamrock Rovers not to lose and Over 1.5 scored goals.
