Shamrock Rovers vs Celje Prediction: Hoops to upset the odds in Dublin

Shamrock Rovers began their Uefa Conference League campaign with a 4-1 defeat at Sparta Prague, but they will be hoping for more success as they return to Dublin to face favourites Celje on Thursday (20:00 BST, TNT Sports 5).

The visitors put in a solid display to beat AEK in their opening game, but the Czech side do not have fond memories of the Tallaght Stadium. Below are my Shamrock Rovers vs Celje predictions, supported by team news and match odds.

Team News

Graham Burke and Adam Matthews started on the bench in Shamrock Rovers’ Conference League opener, but both have impressed since then and may be given a start against Celje.

Football Odds

Visiting boss Albert Riera is likely to retain the majority of the starting lineup from their draw with Ljubljana last time out, with Franko Kovacevic set to lead the line after bagging a hat-trick in their opener.

Shamrock Rovers vs Celje Odds

Celje are 1/1 favourites as they head to the Tallaght Stadium, with the hosts priced as 11/4 underdogs and a draw coming in at 5/2.

Odds of 8/11 for both teams to score suggest that the two teams may have some success going forward, while over and under 2.5 goals are priced evenly at 10/11 apiece.

Shamrock Rovers win or draw double chance @ 4/5

Rovers have lost three of their last four games, but they could defy the odds when Celje return to the Tallaght Stadium and secure at least a draw.

The Hoops eliminated Celje from the Europa League qualifiers last season, overcoming a 1-0 deficit in the away leg to win 2-1 in Dublin, progressing after an extra-time goal.

Despite their poor recent form, Rovers have only lost one of their last 17 home matches in all competitions, and that run includes European results against St Joseph’s, FC Ballkani, and, most impressively, Santa Clara.

They can get their first Conference League point, or possibly even points, on the board on Thursday.

0-0 draw @ 10/1

Celje played out a goalless draw against Ljubljana at the weekend, and another tight, goalless affair could be on the cards in Dublin.

The Slovenians have drawn two of their last six matches, and the Irish side have drawn 0-0 in two of their last three home European matches.

Each of Shamrock Rovers' last three home draws have been goalless, and Stephen Bradley would likely settle for a stalemate considering Celje’s favouritism.

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