Shamrock Rovers pulled off a great result in the first leg, having lost just 1:0 in Denmark and they are now hoping to produce a major shock and qualify for the next stage. However, FC Copenhagen remain the favourites to go through, with their huge experience in Europe likely to give them the extra edge in this clash.

Good result for Shamrock

Shamrock Rovers qualified for the Champions League group stages by coming first in a very interesting title race last season, having finished the league campaign tied on points with second-placed Bohemians and just five points above a fourth-placed team. Their 19-10-7 record was hardly impressive, especially when we take into account the quality of teams in Irish Premier League, so it is little wonder that the Irish champions were seen as major underdogs in the FC Copehagen tie. The Hoops eliminated Estonian champions Flora Talin in the previous round, winning 1:0 at home before earning a goalless draw in Estonia, while the 1:0 defeat in Denmark have got to be considered a good result. In all fairness, the Irish rode their luck at times as FC Copenhagen missed several good chances to score, so there is no doubt they face another difficult game. This time Shamrock will have to adopt more attacking approach and that could easily come back to haunt them as FC Copenhagen’s superior quality is likely to shine if they are left enough space.

Defender Ken Oman is a doubt after picking up injury in the first leg, but all other players are fit to feature.

The Danes cannot afford to relax

FC Copenhagen have been the dominant force in Danish football for quite a while now and the team have gained a lot of experience having played in Europe’s top competitions on regular basis. FC Copenhagen squad have suffered certain changes before the start of this season, with important defenders Antonsson, Kvist, Pospech and Wendt and midfielder Silberbauer all leaving, although Christian Grindheim, Pape Pate Diouf and Pierre Bengtsson have been signed to improve the quality of the squad. FC Kopenhagen enjoyed a very good start of the season, picking up 7 points from 3 league games, while their good performance against Shamrock should have been rewarded by few more goals. Roland Nilsson’s side did struggle to break defence-minded Shamrock in the first leg, but they should now have much easier job as the Irish will be forced to open up.

Striker Dame N’Doye has returned into action after recovering from injury and he could start, while Christian Grindheim and Cesar Santin should return to the starting line-up after being rested at the weekend.

Verdict

Shamrock’s defence-minded tactics produced good results in Denmark, although the Irish side were lucky to lose by just one goal. This time they will have to adopt a more attacking approach, which will make it easy for FC Copenhagen to show why they are considered the favourites in this clash.

Our prediction: FC Copenhagen to lead at half-time

Odds: 2.10 (11/10)

Bookmaker: Sportingbet