Inter Club d'Escaldes -v- Dundalk - Where can I watch it and what do I need to know?

Dundalk will be hoping to avoid a potentially humiliating Europa League exit when they take on Andorran side Inter Club d’Escaldes in the Europa League second qualifying round (kick-off is 6.30pm on Thursday evening).

Last season, the Andorrans qualified for the Champions League by virtue of their league title success – their first since they entered the league in 1995.

They won the title last season, seeing off FC Santa Coloma to the top honours by a single point.

On the other hand, Dundalk will be looking to make amends for their UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Slovenian champions NK Celje.

The Lilywhites eventually succumbed to a three-nil defeat in Budapest against their Slovenian counterparts.

The game also was the final for Vinny Perth who was relieved of his duties as Dundalk Head Coach following the result.

This will be the 76th European match in Dundalk’s history, with the Lilywhites’ winning 14, drawing 18 and losing 33.

However, it will be one of the major early tests to Filippo Giovagnoli and his backroom team as they embark into their first European tie at the helm of Dundalk. Here’s all you need to know ahead of this evening’s clash in Andorra.

What time is the match?

Kick-off is at 6.30pm Irish time.



Where is the match?

Estadi Communal, Andorra.

Who is the referee?

Viktor Shimusik from Belarus will referee the tie.

Are there tickets available?

The game will be played behind closed doors at the Estadi Communal in Andorra.



Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown live on Dundalk’s Facebook page and at laola1.at.

Who should I watch out for?

Dundalk, who are without Dane Massey, Patrick McEleney and Joshua Gatt, will be hopeful of avoiding a European upset when they travel to Andorra this evening.

Patrick Hoban, who missed out last week, is expected to start after a recent knock while the usual suspects of Michael Duffy and Chris Shields will be hopeful of making their mark on the European stage yet again.  

Over the previous couple of seasons, Inter Club Escaldes have seen a whole host of established Andorran names join the club, none more so than Cristian Martinez who scored in Andorra’s 3 - 1 defeat away to the Republic of Ireland in 2010.

Escaldes also have a number of fellow Andorran internationals, with Sergi Moreno a 60-time capped international for his nation.

The Andorrans also have a former Premier League full-back in Federico Bassone. Bassone played for Swansea City during the 2011-12 season and also played for Swindon Town, Leeds United and Charlton Athletic in England.

Team news:

In terms of team news for the Co. Louth side, they will be without Dane Massey, Patrick McEleney and Joshua Gatt.

Forward Patrick Hoban is expected to play a role however despite missing training last week due to a slight knock.

The Andorrans have yet to disclose their team news.

Read Andrew Dempsey’s match preview here.

Betting:

Inter Club d’Escaldes 15/2; Draw 9/2; Dundalk 1/4.

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