Europa League Preview: Apollon Limassol -v- Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers know that they are in pole position to progress to the Third Qualifying Round of the Europa League when they travel to face Apollon Limassol on Thursday evening (kick-off is at 6pm).

APOLLON LIMASSOL

After taking a quick-fire lead last week through Fotis Papoulis, Apollon wilted under a relentless spell of pressure from Shamrock Rovers to go a goal behind in the tie.

In truth, the Cypriots were perhaps fortunate to only go home with a one-goal deficit given the dominance of the hosts for the majority of the Tallaght Stadium showdown.

However, going back to Nicosia with an away goal may prove key for Sofronis Avgousti’s side who know that a one-nil win will see them through by the away goals rule.

During their last second-leg clash in the previous round against Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris, the Cypriots came out on top in a 4-0 win.

The last time Apollon have lost a knockout tie in the Europa League Qualifiers was back in 206 when they fell to defeat against Swiss side Grasshopper after extra-time.

Apollon have only once failed to get past the second qualifying round of the Europa League/UEFA Cup since 2001, falling to defeat against Cork City in 2006.

In terms of team news for Apollon, midfielder Esteban Sachetti will be forced to miss out on the return leg after he was dismissed for a sickening lunge on Jack Byrne late on in the first-leg.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers know that should they avoid defeat in Nicosia, they will set up a Third Qualifying Round clash against Austria Vienna.

The Hoops outplayed their Cypriot opposition last time out in Tallaght Stadium helped in no small part by a Jack Byrne masterclass.

Byrne set up both goals from set-piece scenarios while also drawing a horror foul that saw midfielder Sachetti see red late on for Apollon.

Speaking ahead of the game with his club’s media team, manager Stephen Bradley noted that his side will not look to sit in and protect their lead at the GSP Arena in Nicosia.

“They’re a really good side, they’ve got really good attacking threats all over the park, but we also saw that we can hurt them.

“We had some very good spells in the game, and I expect Thursday to be no different,” Bradley said.

“I think we have to come to win the game. I think if you come here and look to sit back and hope to get a result, you’re asking to get beat.

“We’ll come to win the game; we know they’re a very good side, but we believe that we can win the game like we did last week.”

In terms of team new for Rovers, Graham Cummins did not travel to Cyprus with a concussion while Neil Farrugia also remains out with a hamstring injury.

Sean Kavanagh and Joey O’Brien are rated as doubtful, but Head Coach Bradley is hopeful that both will be given the all-clear to feature in Nicosia.

Referee: Michael Tykgaard (Denmark).

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers two-one over Apollon Limassol at Tallaght Stadium in the first-leg was the League of Ireland’s 50^th European win in the competition.

The Hoops two-legged clash against Apollon Limassol was the eleventh time a League of Ireland club has faced Cypriot opposition in European football, with the Irish sides only winning of the previous five ties.

Shamrock Rovers captain Ronan Finn will surpass Owen Heary and Dan Murray to become the third highest European appearance holder in the League of Ireland should he play on Thursday evening.

BETTING

Apollon Limassol 4/11; Draw 3/1; Shamrock Rovers 11/2.

PREDICTION

Apollon Limassol 1 - 1 Shamrock Rovers.

Apollon Limassol

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Esteban Sachetti.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Neil Farrugia, Graham Cummins.

Doubtful: Joey O’Brien, Sean Kavanagh.

Suspended: None.