Shamrock Rovers vs Shkupi Predictions

• Shamrock Rovers have seen under 2.5 goals scored in nine of their last 14 games, and in five of their last seven at home.
• The hosts have conceded just 15 goals in the League of Ireland Premier Division this year, the lowest in that division.
• FK Shkupi, meanwhile, shipped just 21 goals in 33 games en route to the North Macedonian title last season.

Irish champions looking to build on home run

Shamrock Rovers last made the Europa League’s group stages in 2011-12, and Stephen Bradley’s Irish champions will need to maintain their strong home record when North Macedonia’s Shkupi visit on Thursday if they are to continue their run towards the competition proper this time around.

Indeed, Bradley’s team are unbeaten in their last 22 competitive home outings, claiming 10 wins from 12 games on their own ground in domestic play in 2022. A strong defensive record has helped the hosts to the Irish Premier Division summit once more; they’ve conceded just 15 league goals this year, as well as seeing under 2.5 goals scored in nine of their last 14 games, and in five of their last seven on home soil.

The visitors, meanwhile, shipped just 21 goals in 33 games as they won their domestic title last season, and they competed well during a recent 3-2 aggregate defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League qualifiers. A run of three matches without victory ahead of their trip to Ireland will not fill Goce Sedloski’s side with hope, though their solid rearguard should make them competitive.

Goalfest unlikely between solid outfits

Given both sides’ good defensive records, backing under 2.5 goals to be scored at Tallaght Stadium seems a strong play. Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers’ terrific home form makes them worth backing for a hard-fought 1-0 victory in this first-leg clash.