Europa Conference League Preview: Stjarnan -v- Bohemians

STJARNAN

Icelandic side Stjarnan will be hoping to bring a lead of some sort to the Aviva Stadium for the second-leg of their Europa Conference League tie against Bohemians when they host the Gypsies on Thursday night (kick-off is at 8.45pm Irish time).

The Icelandic side come into the game off the back of two defeats in their last three games, and find themselves 7^th in the Icelandic top-flight.

They have struggled so far this season as well, winning just three of their opening 12 games so far.

Stjarnan have also lost five games, and drawn four of their 12 league games this season.

They find themselves just a point above Sligo’s European opponents FH – although they have in fact played a game more than their league rivals so far this season.

Stjarnan have no available team news for Thursday’s game.

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long’s Bohemians will be looking to keep their European tie alive on Thursday evening as they take on Icelandic side Stjarnan.

Bohs were humbled on their last visit to Iceland – but they will be looking to exorcise those ghosts.

“In the absence of being able to get to games, we have had to rely on video and one or two people on the ground who have been able to give us some information,” Long told Bohemians media team.

“The level of opposition is always going to be good in European competition. They are a big physical side, they are experienced.

“They have good technical players throughout and are a threat from set-pieces.

“We will have to perform to our very best, there’s no doubt about that to try to bring the tie alive back to the Aviva Stadium next week.”

He added: “It is something we have prepared for. We have had an eye on the opposition since the draw was made.

“Aaron Fitzsimons, our analyst, has done an unbelievable job pulling together all the clips and presentations for us. We have done as much due diligence on the opposition as we can but ultimately, we have to go and perform.

“Stjarnan, albeit they have had an indifferent start to their season, we will have to put in a strong performance.

Stephen Mallon and Promise Omochere are both ruled out of Thursday’s clash with injury.

Referee: Sandi Putros (Denmark).

MATCH STATS

Last time Bohemians played a two-legged European tie, the Gypsies fell to a heavy 5-1 aggregate defeat to Icelandic side Akureyri.

BETTING

Stjarnan 11/10; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 7/4.

PREDICTION

Stjarnan 1 - 1 Bohemians

Stjarnan

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Stephen Mallon, Promise Omochere.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.