Santa Clara vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions

• Santa Clara landed a 3-0 aggregate victory over Larne in the previous qualifying round
• Shamrock Rovers beat Kosovan outfit Ballkani 4-1 on aggregate in the same round
• Five of Shamrock’s last seven matches have featured less than three goals

Shamrock set for a tough test

Shamrock Rovers finished tenth in the league phase of the 2024-25 Conference League, eventually being knocked out by Molde in the play-off round, and they are two matches away from getting the chance to better that performance this season. 

Stephen Bradley’s side have cruised through to this play-off round, landing 4-0 and 4-1 aggregate victories over St Joseph’s 4-0 and Ballkani in their previous ties, but they face a much tougher test now, taking on Santa Clara. 

The Portuguese side finished fifth in the Primeira Liga last term and after dispatching Northern Irish outfit Larne in the third qualifying round, they will be eager to take down another team from the Emerald Isle. 

Goal-shy Santa Clara could be left frustrated 

Santa Clara’s recent performances make them hard to trust, though, especially at odds of around 4-11. Vasco Matos’ side have lost their opening two league matches to nil while their second leg against Larne saw the Northern Irish side hold their hosts to a 0-0 draw in Portugal. 

Their lack of attacking threat could come to the fore against Rovers, who have kept seven clean sheets in nine games, suggesting a low-scoring affair is on the cards. 

Just two of Shamrock’s last seven games, and none of Santa Clara’s last two, have featured more than three goals and the under makes appeal.