Slovan Bratislava and Shamrock Rovers kickoff their Champions League qualifying round journeys on Wednesday night in Slovakia.
The two clubs are aiming to reach the Champions League group stage, but the journey to the tournament proper is long and winding.
Shamrock Rovers are in the middle of the Irish Premier Division season and players will be fit for the fixture.
They currently sit at the top of the Premier Division thanks to goal difference. Shamrock Rovers are aiming for their second straight league title.
Slovan Bratislava have won eight of the last 12 Slovakian First Division titles. They are regulars in European competition in the qualifying rounds. Slovan Bratislava have not started their domestic league and won’t begin league play until the end of July.
Shamrock Rovers will have a slight edge thanks to being in the middle of the Premier Division.
However, playing the first leg on the road in Slovakia could remove any advantage that Shamrock Rovers go into the game with.
UEFA has changed the away goals rule. The Champions Leaugue will no longer recognise away goals as an advantage in head-to-head matches.
Therefore, a goal for Shamrock Rovers wouldn’t give them the previous away advantage that teams received prior to this season.
The winner of the tie between Slovan Bratislava and Shamrock Rovers will face off with Swiss champions Young Boys in the Champions League second qualifying round.
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley will be without Neil Farrugia. The player is still sidelined with a hip injury. Meanwhile, midfielder Chris McCann is a doubt for the match due to a lingering fitness issue.
Slovan Bratislava go into the match without any injuries to speak of. The Slovakian club are coming off of a friendly 1-1 draw with Zlin. Slovan Bratislava defender Vernon De Marco scored to cancel out a previous goal from Ziln in the first half.
Shamrock Rovers are blowing hot and cold in the Premier Division. They are at the top of the standings as Shamrock Rovers search for a 19th league title. Last season's title win ended a nine-year championship drought.
Graham Burke leads Shamrock Rovers in goals with seven in the Premier Division. Teammate Rory Gaffney has six goals. Bradley will hope the duo can provide the spark in the final third to get Rovers on the scoresheet.
Wednesday’s game is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Shamrock Rovers are go into the game in between some difficult domestic fixtures while Slovan Bratislava have not started their domestic campaign.
The two teams should finish in a score draw with under 2.5 goals as they ease into the Champions League first qualifying round. Neither side will want to make a costly mistake in the first leg.