European preview: Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic in action in third round

Thursday 8 August

Europa League third round qualifying first leg

Celje (Slovenia) v Shamrock Rovers, Stadion Z'dezele, 7.15pm

Conference League third round qualifying first leg

St Patrick's Athletic v FC Sabah (Azerbaijan), Tallaght Stadium, 7.45pm

Coverage

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Two competitions with one goal

The Dublin sides compete in different competitions tonight, with the same target of reaching a group phase.

Shamrock Rovers have the benefit of being on the 'Champions Route' in Europe so if they do not progress against Celje, they will drop to a Conference play-off.

The Saints have already come through one round and need to get passed two more, starting tonight with Sabah.

It's a huge ask. One step at a time, however.

Victory for the Hoops against their Slovenian opponents will guarantee they are into a group phase, with their next tie to determine if it is Europa or Conference.

Celje still represent tough opposition

While Shamrock Rovers are dropping down a competition, the draw could have been a lot easier.

Celje are the champions of Slovenia. They are known on these shores for beating Dundalk comfortably in 2020.

They were very much in contention against Slovan Bratislava after the first leg, even though the Slovakian spent a lot of the drawn first leg down to 10 men.

It was Celje who had an early red card in the return fixture and they conceded five times, knowing their fate was sealed.

The last time an Irish side came up against Slovenian opposition saw St Pat's defeat Mura FC.

That is a more obscure form line, however, and it's the strength of the team which gives great clues.

Many of their players have international experience, even if it is minimal.

Aljosa Matko is