Gent vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-09-14 16:45.
Gent began their UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) campaign with a 0-0 draw against Molde and will seek to emulate their journey to the last 16 in this competition last term. The one-time UEFA Cup quarter-finalists now host Shamrock Rovers, Gent’s first meeting with an Irish side since facing Bohemians in the 2005 Intertoto Cup (W 3-2 on aggregate).
Occupying a comfortable position in the top half of Belgian First Division A, Gent will be heavy favourites to prevail despite losing two of their last three home fixtures (W1), including against Omonia Nicosia in Europa League qualifying. Gent were unbeaten here in UECL group games last term though (W2, D1), and will again hope strong home form can underpin a solid European run.
Shamrock goalkeeper Alan Mannus predicted they “could give anybody in Europe a tough game,” as they did against Djurgården in their UECL opener (0-0). Mannus admitted Gent would be a “very difficult tie,” but Shamrock shouldn’t be short of confidence after thrashing Finn Harps 5-1 on Sunday to consolidate their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Despite their impressive standing at home, Shamrock haven’t been ahead at the 90-minute mark in any of their last four away games (90 min: D2, L2), so seemingly head into their first ever meeting with a Belgian club facing a tall order. Further indication of the scale of the task awaiting the Hoops is that they’ve won just one of their last five European away games (D1, L3), conceding at least three times on three occasions.
Players to watch: Hugo Cuypers opened the scoring with three of his five goals for Gent this season, twice at home. Meanwhile, Shamrock’s Rory Gaffney has scored once, assisted once and picked up a yellow card across his last two appearances.
Hot stat: Belgian clubs have a 100% record against Irish clubs in UEFA competition fixtures (W7).