Shamrock Rovers -v- FC Copenhagen
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they take on FC Copenhagen in the second leg of the 3rd Qualifying Round for the Champions League at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45).
A goal from Solvi Ottesen in the 5th minute of last Wednesday's tie at the Parken Stadium was enough to give the Danish champions a first leg advantage.
If the Hoops can overturn that scoreline, they will become the first Irish team to reach the group stages of a European competition, with a win guaranteeing them progression to at least the Europa League group stages.
Rovers have several injury concerns ahead of Tuesday's game, with centre-back Ken Oman missing through a knee injury he picked up in the away tie last week.
Karl Sheppard will also miss the game with an ankle injury, while Stephen O’Donnell is also doubt for what is one of the biggest games in the club's history.
Despite the huge task in front of them and the mounting injury problems, boss Michael O'Neill believes the tie isn't over just yet.
He said: “We have seen a lot of Copenhagen now, and we more or less know what to expect from them. They obviously have the upper hand with the one goal lead, but the tie is certainly not beyond us.
“We have looked at the game again as a team, and the lads can see for themselves how well they did last week and what they are capable of. We will need to keep up that level of performance if we are to get a result from the game.”
Copenhagen currently sit in second place in the Danish league having recorded a convincing 2-0 victory at home to FC Nordsjælland at the weekend.
In last season's Champions League Copenhagen became the first Danish club to reach the second round, losing to English giants Chelsea on aggregate, despite drawing the home leg.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Ken Oman (knee) and Karl Sheppard (ankle)
Doubtful: Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring).
Suspended: None.
FC Copenhagen
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Unavailable.
Referee: Halis Özkahya (TUR).
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 5-1 FC Copenhagen 1/ 2 Draw 11/4.
Extratime prediction: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 FC Copenhagen
A goal from Solvi Ottesen in the 5th minute of last Wednesday's tie at the Parken Stadium was enough to give the Danish champions a first leg advantage.
If the Hoops can overturn that scoreline, they will become the first Irish team to reach the group stages of a European competition, with a win guaranteeing them progression to at least the Europa League group stages.
Rovers have several injury concerns ahead of Tuesday's game, with centre-back Ken Oman missing through a knee injury he picked up in the away tie last week.
Karl Sheppard will also miss the game with an ankle injury, while Stephen O’Donnell is also doubt for what is one of the biggest games in the club's history.
Despite the huge task in front of them and the mounting injury problems, boss Michael O'Neill believes the tie isn't over just yet.
He said: “We have seen a lot of Copenhagen now, and we more or less know what to expect from them. They obviously have the upper hand with the one goal lead, but the tie is certainly not beyond us.
“We have looked at the game again as a team, and the lads can see for themselves how well they did last week and what they are capable of. We will need to keep up that level of performance if we are to get a result from the game.”
Copenhagen currently sit in second place in the Danish league having recorded a convincing 2-0 victory at home to FC Nordsjælland at the weekend.
In last season's Champions League Copenhagen became the first Danish club to reach the second round, losing to English giants Chelsea on aggregate, despite drawing the home leg.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Ken Oman (knee) and Karl Sheppard (ankle)
Doubtful: Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring).
Suspended: None.
FC Copenhagen
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Unavailable.
Referee: Halis Özkahya (TUR).
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 5-1 FC Copenhagen 1/ 2 Draw 11/4.
Extratime prediction: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 FC Copenhagen
About Frankie Lally
Frankie Lally writes for a number of publications. You can contact Frankie on Twitter at @FrankieLally
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