Shamrock Rovers vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-11-26 20:00.
[p]Shamrock Rovers have enjoyed plenty of domestic success this season but they are fighting for their UEFA Conference League future as Shakhtar Donetsk arrive in Dublin in prime form and with their sights set on the knockout stage.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Shamrock Rovers got their first point of the Conference League campaign by drawing 1-1 with AEK Athens on matchday three, but are still facing a tall order to reach the knockout stages. The Hoops have lost just one of their last four fixtures (W2, D1) yet they’ve not been in action since lifting the FAI Cup over two weeks ago. They’ll need to shake off some rust to improve their home form, as they’ve lost three of their last four at Tallaght Stadium (W1). Stephen Bradley’s side lost their last European home game here 2-0 to Celje, but they did start this campaign by keeping three consecutive clean sheets in Conference League qualifying home games (W1, D2).[/p]
[p]Shakhtar Donetsk have fared much better than their hosts in the league phase this term (W2, L1), most recently beating Breiðablik 2-0 on matchday three. They’ve now won their last four matches across all competitions while scoring an average of 4.5 goals per game, so they arrive full of confidence and clear leaders of Ukraine’s top flight. The Miners have also won both of their Conference League away games this term including qualifying, although each victory came by only a one-goal margin.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]These two sides have never previously met in competitive action. This is Rovers’ first game against a Ukrainian club and Shakhtar have never played a side from Ireland.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Rovers have collected a competition-high 11 yellow cards after three rounds.[/p]
[p]Three of Rovers’ last four home games produced under 2.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Shakhtar have earned an average of 5.67 corners per game during the league phase.[/p]
[p]None of Shakhtar’s last three away fixtures witnessed scoring before the 40th minute.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Rory Gaffney scored both goals as Rovers won the FAI Cup final 2-0 against Cork earlier this month to complete the domestic double, and his last three goals for the club all arrived after the 60th minute. Eguinaldo could also be a second-half threat as he’s netted between the 55th and 70th minute in both of Shakhtar’s last two games.[/p]
[p]Rovers’ Danny Mandroiu suffered a serious knee injury during the FAI Cup final, while Shakhtar look likely to be without forwards Alisson and Lassina Traoré. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With Shakhtar expected to dominate this game, our tip is to back them to earn at least three more corners than Rovers.[/p]
[p][i]Author: John Pennington[/i][/p]