UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Shamrock Rovers v TNS, Tallaght Stadium, 5.45pm.
TV
The game will be broadcast on Premier Sport and TNT Sports.
ONLINE
WEATHER
Unusually mild for this time of year with temperatures about 14 degrees at kick off. No sign of any rain.
THE SHOW GOES ON
There is little time for Shamrock Rovers to dwell on the disappointment of missing out on the league title last week as they welcome TNS to Tallaght Stadium.
Chasing a historic fifth title in succession, the Hoops were just minutes away from coming out on top only for Harry Wood to strike late in Derry.
Stephen Bradley said his side were simply not good enough over the course of the Premier Division season.
The same cannot be said for their European exploits so far.
Tonight's game could see Bradley's men go a long way to extending their run in 2025 as they seek to qualify for the next phase.
Expectations will be high after the dismantling of Larne. This may not be as simple
One negative tonight is not having the later kick-off in Tallaght Stadium.
A 5.45pm start will affect the atmosphere as well as the numbers attending the game
QUALIFICATION IN SIGHT
The Windsor Park clash demonstrated the gulf between the League of Ireland and Irish League with the visitors looking superior in all departments.
TNS are something of an outlier in the Welsh League, however, with a good record in European competition.
They have won 13 of the last 15 league titles in Wales.
This is also the first time a Welsh side has come through the qualifying rounds.
A battling perforance away to Fiorentina in which they held out until midway through the second half and conceded just twice was followed by victory over Astana in Shrewsbury.
It was a magnificent display and silenced any suggestions they would be whipping boys.
They will see tonight's fixture as a chance to move into contention to also go through.
TNS MORE SEASONED THAN LARNE
TNS possess some familiar names to supporters here.
Former Derry City man Josh Daniels lines out in defence along with another ex-Candystripe in Rory Holden in midfield. He found the net against Astana last time out.
Another midfielder Dan Williams was in the Dundalk squad in 2022
With the club based near the England, the squad is mostly a mix of English and Welsh players and have been together a long time,
They had some shaky form in the league when balancing Europe but have now won five games on the spin as they adjust to life in Europe and trying to retain their league crown.
They sit second in the table as they approach mid-season, four points off the top with two games in hand.
BRADLEY KEEN TO MOVE ON
Hoops boss Stephen Bradley is keen to leave their league season behind. This is the first of three matches before the end of the year while a friendly against Helsinki will bridge the three-week gap of no game after tonight.
This is a golden chance to be on the verge of new ground for an Irish team, something Bradley is well aware of.
"It puts us in a really strong position if we can win the game," Bradley said
"We won't know for sure but it gives us a really strong chance to play in Europe after Christmas which is what we all want. But we need to focus on tonight and what’s in front of us, we’re against a good team so whatever comes off the back of that comes.
"I think TNS are a very good team. I've been over to watch them and watched them from afar a number of times. They’ve got quality in their team, a really clear identity in how they play. You can see the manager’s philosophy is clear.
"They beat Astana 2-0 and that could’ve been more, they were really good on the night. So I’ve no doubt we’re in for a really tough game but I believe that our players are ready for it. Come the big stage they step up."
SQUAD NEWS
The game is too soon for long-term injury victim Rory Gaffney.
Bradley has revealed he could play, but he wants to prioritise next season.
"To be fair to Rory, he wanted to play and to push it against Waterford. But we made the decision some time back that we need to get Rory ready for pre-season and not worry about this season. We could rush him back and then he has a setback.
"Rory has tried extremely hard to get back, he actually rang me last week to say he was available but it's just trying to say to him we need to get this right for next season. So that’s the thinking with Rory even though it’s frustrating for him."
Seán Hoare will also miss the game as will Danny Mandriou and Seán Kavanagh. All three should return for the friendly with HFK Helsinki.
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