Here’s our Shamrock Rovers Vs The New Saints preview, prediction, team news and confirmed lineups ahead of Thursday’s Conference League clash.
Shamrock Rovers Vs The New Saints Preview
Shamrock Rovers finished their league campaign with a 2-1 victory at Waterford, but missed out on the title for the first time since 2019.
They had won four straight League of Ireland Premier Division titles. But having made a good start to their Europa Conference League season, they are currently unbeaten.
Drawing with APOEL Nicosia after a win against Larne FC has put them on four points and in the hunt for the knockouts.
The New Saints, meanwhile, have made history as the first team in the Welsh league system to make the league phase of a European competition.
They beat Panevezys 3-0 over two legs to secure qualification and are living the European dream.
After a respectable 2-0 loss to Fiorentina, they beat Astana 2-0, with goals from Rory Holden and Declan McManus.
They are currently on a seven-game winning run in all competitions, and will hope to continue that trend when they make the short flight over the Irish Sea to face Shamrock Rovers.
📌 The New Saints (H)#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/2ks2B3lP2m
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) November 4, 2024
Shamrock Rovers Vs The New Saints Team News
Shamrock were without Daniel Mandroiu for the win over Waterford in October. The midfielder is still a doubt for Thursday but could yet feature.
Goalscoring duo Graham Burke and Johnny Kenny should keep their places up top the the hosts.
For The New Saints, there’s a good change manager Harrison will name the same team that recorded their historic maiden victory last time out.
That would mean a continuation of the potent attacking trio of Holden, McManus and Ryan Brobbell.
Shamrock Rovers Vs The New Saints Lineups
Shamrock Rovers Lineup:
Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Burns, McEneff, Poom, Watts, Honohan; Farrugia, Kenny
The New Saints Lineup:
Roberts; Daniels, Davies, Bodenham, Redmond; Smith, D Williams, Holden; J. Williams, McManus, Brobbell
Shamrock Rovers Vs The New Saints Prediction
Although this European adventure is a brilliant one for TNS, we don’t see them coming away with a victory.
Shamrock Rovers have far more continental experience, which should be enough for them to get the win on home soil.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 The New Saints
