Preview: Hoops can take big European leap against TNS

Shamrock Rovers can take one giant step towards the knock-out stages of the UEFA Conference League as they welcome Welsh champions TNS to Tallaght Stadium this evening (kick-off 5:45pm).

The Hoops are looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the league phase of the competition knowing that a victory would take them to seven points from three games, having drawn with Cypriot side APOEL in their opener, and following it up with an impressive 4-1 away win at Larne.

With 24 of the top 36 teams making it through to the next phase of the tournament in the New Year, seven points is the predicted tally that will see teams secure their spot, as the competition moves to a knock-out format.

Tougher games await the Hoops following tonight's clash with The New Saints, but all the focus for the recently dethroned Irish champions will be on the Tallaght encounter as Stephen Bradley's side look to maintain their momentum on the European stage.

Rovers' four-season stretch as League of Ireland kingpins came to a conclusion last Friday night as Shelbourne were crowned Premier Division champions, so with domestic duties completed for the 2024 campaign, the Hoops can fully focus on their remaining matches in Europe before their extended season finally comes to a close.

Two home, two away, as Rovers travel to Austria after the TNS game for a tough clash with the renowned Rapid Vienna, before returning to Tallaght to take on Bosnian outfit Borac Banja Luka.

The Hoops will target points in all three games, and will hope to have secured their spot in the next phase before their daunting trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

But first TNS.

Similar to the Larne fixture at Windsor Park, tonight's game will come in the guise of a familiar fixture