Oct 24,2024
UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Larne v Shamrock Rovers, Windsor Park, 5.45pm.
TV
The game will be broadcast on Premier Sport and TNT Sports.
ONLINE
WEATHER
There is likely to be some rain in Belfast as well as winds of 20km an hour. A winter feel will come with the game.
THE ALL-IRELAND CLASH
All-Ireland clashes are rare in European competition and often craved by the teams involved.
There are the benefits of playing a side which you have slightly more knowledge of than most European sides, the limited travel and arguably an easier game than average.
That is especially true in reaching the outright phase of the competition.
This is a game both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland champions will be targetting to earn three points in this new league system, knowing they must secure at least two victories to have any hope of progression.
Many of the players, on both sides, possess considerable European experience.
While Larne are on a breakthrough campaign, their side is well-versed in playing big matches.
This is history-making for both, however, with the first meeting of two Irish sides in the outright competition.
LARNE LIVING THEIR DREAM
The 3-0 defeat to Molde in what was a creditable performance was a reminder for Larne of just how far they've come.
Their story is well known now, told here through the eyes of former League of Ireland striker David McDaid as he enjoys the best days of his career which is over 15 years old now.
They would love to host the game with the Hoops at Inver Park, which will undoubtedly need refurbishment in time to come.
For now the 2,600 capacity ground does not satisfy UEFA and they move to Windsor Park for all of their European committments.
The complexities of managing the league and Europe are hitting hard at the moment.
The champions of the Northern Irish Premiership are mid-table with four wins from nine and a host of games to catch up on.
They have a long road to retaining their league crown.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch is still enjoying the challenge of the Conference League phase.
"The Europa Conference League is something we are enjoying and embracing," Lynch said.
"We want to go out once again and give a really good account of ourselves and the league."
Cian Bolger, Sam Todd and Jordan McEneff bring League of Ireland experience with him.
Otherwise it's a squad with some outstanding talent from the Northern Irish league assembled by Lynch, as well as accquisitions from across the water.
MOMENTUM SWINGS TOWARDS HOOPS
Back in the Premier Division, the Hoops have shown Larne how to do it.
From looking like their domination was over, they are now favourites to win the league given a more favourable fixture run for the final two games.
One eye will be on Sunday's clash with Dundalk at Oriel Park in what is the biggest week of their season.
This is a hugely important encounter given they can assume a strong placement in the league phase table after putting a point on the board thanks to their draw against APOEL Nicosia.
With a home game with TNS to come, it's a huge chance for the visitors as they travel to Belfast.
BRADLEY NOT DROPPING LEVEL
The Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has huge respect for his Northern Irish counterparts.
Scottish striker Andy Ryan scored a hat-trick helped them to qualify for the league phase and he is well aware of several of the starting XI.
"I think they're a very good team. They’ve obviously been setting the standards in the Irish League for the last couple of seasons. They have a very clear identity in how they play. You mention Ryan up top but there’s other players around the team that can win games for them and cause problems.
"We're well aware of Larne’s quality and what they do, but like every game, we’ll try and impose ourselves on the game as quickly as possible and try and win the game."
Shamrock Rovers' Neil Farrugia is suspended after picking up a red card against APOEL but Aaron Greene and Trevor Clarke are available again.
"Aaron and Trevor are back but it'll be next week for Sean."
Conor McKendry is suspended for Larne after his late sending-off in their 3-0 loss to Molde.
UNDER THE RADAR
This game would normally command so much attention. But with the title race in the Premier Division so gripping and the new formats dipping interest in European matches so far, perhaps anticipation is less than what it could be.
There is a lot more than pride at stake as the two champions of Ireland clash.
