MATCH PREVIEW: Shamrock Rovers vs Hibernians FC
Shamrock Rovers vs Hibernians FC
Tuesday 5th July
UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round 1st Leg
Tallaght Stadium
7:30pm
Shamrock Rovers get their European campaign underway this Tuesday, as Maltese champions Hibernians FC come to Tallaght in their UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round 1st leg clash.
Rovers were knocked out of this stage of the competition last year after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Slovak side Slovan Bratislava, and it is hoped that Stephen Bradley's side will make further progression in this years competition.
On the eve of the game, bad news came through the Rovers fan-base where it has been confirmed by Stephen Bradley that play-maker Danny Mandroiu has already played his final game for Shamrock Rovers ahead of his proposed summer move to League One side Lincoln City.
This added to the news that Jack Byrne, Graham Burke & Neil Farrugia will all miss this weeks Champions League game through injury means that Rovers will be relying heavily on the trio of Aaron Greene, Rory Gaffney & Dylan Watts in the attacking third of the pitch against Hibernians.
Shamrock Rovers come into the game in perfect form, having won their last three games against Bohemians, St. Patrick's Athletic & Finn Harps respectively all within the last ten days.
As for the away side, Hibernians 2022/23 league campaign has yet to commence, meaning Michael Woods' side haven't played a competitive game since May 11th, when they lost 2-1 to Floriana in the Maltese FA Trophy semi-final. Hibernians have played two friendlies in the last 10 days to prepare themselves for their European campaign, again losing 2-1 to Floriana on June 24th before drawing 2-2 with Gzira on June 28th.
Hibernians won the Maltese Premier League (called the BOV Premier League) by just three points last season, losing just three games during their 27-match campaign.
Tuesday's match officials come from Lithuania. Manfredas Lukjancukas is the man in charge, with Vytenis Kazlauskas & Edgaras Bucinskas as his assistants. Donatas Simenas will act as the fourth official.
TEAM NEWS:
Shamrock Rovers: The home side will be out the services of Jack Byrne, Graham Burke & Neil Farrugia, who all miss out through injury. Sean Gannon will undergo a fitness test prior to the game. As previously mentioned, Danny Mandroiu will play no further part in Shamrock Rovers' campaign, having agreed a deal to sign for Lincoln City.
Hibernians FC: The Maltese champions have a couple suspensions to worry about, carry red cards from last years competition. They have recently signed new players - all of whom have yet to play a competitive game together. Hibernians normally line up in a 4-3-3 formation.
MATCH COVERAGE:
RTÉ 2: The game on Tuesday evening will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 & the RTÉ Player worldwide. Coverage gets underway at 7pm, with kick-off at the earlier time of 7:30pm.
TWITTER: The club's official Twitter page will be providing live in-game updates for those unable to watch the game. Follow the club's Twitter handle @ShamrockRovers to keep up-to-date with the action.
MATCH TICKETS:
A small amount of tickets remain for Tuesday's game in Tallaght. With the South Stand & West Stand sold out, only tickets in the East stand remain. Tickets are recommended to be bought in advance of arriving at the stadium. Click the link below to get the last remaining tickets: