League of Ireland in Europe 2019

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Confirmed that our away leg kicks off at 8pm local time which can only be a good thing for us with the heat there

[pineapple stu]

It was at 5 games before Rovers game in Brann which finished before Cork and Pats.

Record is in fact 12 games, both the 1987/88 and 1988/89 seasons had teams scoring no goals.
The 7 games was just for Cork.

I hadn't actually thought of the league's non-scoring record.

[bennocelt]

There is nothing wrong with realism but I don't think anyone is getting carried away. Dundalk fans are aware that they were the seeded side and that they failed to score. I'm sure Rovers are also being realistic regarding the positive and negative aspects of their performances.

However, the fact remains that we have two sides, with the potential to improve, into the next rounds of their competitions.

It was an average Latvian team, and if Dundalk had failed to get past them then perhaps Vinny Perth might have felt some sharp knives, at least judging from this over the top article............vindication, what? Anyway glad that we have two LOI teams left in the comp, and I feel we might have another good few nights yet.........


https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0717/1063722-dundalk-vindicated-by-champions-league-win-says-perth/

[oriel]

I`m certainly not worried that Dundalk failed to score over 120 mins, we also kept a clean sheet in two games, still looked the most likely to win it the other night, and eventuallly kept our never to win on pens, and coped without our best player. All of this was acheived by playing just ok, so there is room for improvement, thats for sure.

Any win by an Irish side at any round in either CL or more so EL shouln't be understated, nor should getting past one round, all very difficult to achieve.

I will admit if we had failed to get past Riga, that would have been a huge missed opportunity.

Bigger fish to fry for both Dundalk and Rovers now, but both off to a solid start in my view.

[TheBoss]

The 7 games was just for Cork.

I hadn't actually thought of the league's non-scoring record.

Oh right, just had a look at the stats, 7 games is actually the record.

Bohemians (1987-1996)
Cork City (1993-1998), (2017-2019)
Dundalk (1982-1990)

[pineapple stu]

I`m certainly not worried that Dundalk failed to score over 120 mins, we also kept a clean sheet in two games, still looked the most likely to win it the other night
I suppose the point is that Qarabag are a better side than Riga, and are going to be tougher to score against. If ye struggled to score against Riga - and to be honest, from the bits I watched, there weren't that many clear-cut chances created - then it's going to be a bigger struggle against Qarabag. And will ye keep a clean sheet against them?

Obviously there's the FH factor in all this - scraping by an Icelandic team was not the way to lead into beating BATE the way ye did. But while I think "playing just ok" is a fair comment, it's surely not going to be good enough against Qarabag, hence the reason I said it was a bit worrying.

[Ezeikial]

It's understandable that taking on higher ranked teams with a big budget and strong recent European pedigree must be worrying for some.

If Pineapple stu is doing all this worrying, maybe the fans can relax and cheer the team on come Wednesday. C'mon da town!

[Nesta99]

I think there was a lot of unseen pressure on Dundalk. Even among us supporters it was about getting through a round as a seeded team and bank the €1.2m to keep the passive type of the owners engaged. The positives from both legs were the clean sheets, no clanger ala LoI in Europe moments. We seemed a bit toothless but between the way Riga sat in and having to rush some players back from injury, Duffy having to leave from the airport and Hoban not firing by former standards a low scoring tie was expected, 0-0 and winning on penos was too close of course. To have a penalty shoot-out under the belt is handy and will have built confidence. We also know there is a lot more football and goals in this Dundalk side and with 2 more games in CL alone we will play in to better form. 2016 was a slow start v FH but come the game against BATE we had improved immensely in performance. Second leg in Rosenborg we were better also. Benson and Murray have had more game time. Kelly has had his first real spell of playing in Europe. Albeit just offside Hoban showed that he can take a chance and is due to hit a run of goal scoring form as there is little wrong with his link and hold up play. So all in all if you start solidly from the back, you can work on attack, especially when we had so much of the ball regardless of the Riga pressing game.

Rovers were excellent if you take nothing more than the character they showed in both legs by scoring when they had to. It was great to see a player like Byrne back himself, in his own box, dribble his way in to a passing opportunity and then Rovers short passing out of trouble and keeping possession. No panic, full of confidence - who said that Irish players lack technical ability. It reminded me a bit of the Dundalk vBATE game in ways where the opposition were almost taking exception to the Irish side not rolling over. Brann weren't quite as nasty about it but they had a wtf look about them like BATE and didnt expect to be beaten.

I think were are all guilty of expecting the worst when LoI teams are in Europe, the almost inevitable clanger moment undoing a great performance. With this in mind as we came out on the positive side of a penalty shoot-out and winning at tie that the LoI side fell behind in in the last half its understandable that people are considering it a very good night. Cork leveled their tie also after a terrible home leg, while I havent seen it better goalkeeping and they might have pulled off the win against the odds - McNulty's form have been questioned for a while now. Pats just gave themselves far too much to do but still pulled themselves level in the away leg so showed some fight at least. It was a drama filled 2 days of European football where at one point 3 of 4 sides could have progressed. As they say its the hope that kills you and Cork were typical in that regard. But I think minimum expectations were reached with 2 sides progressing. Prior to the games I think generally LoI fans would have taken what transpired.

I fear that Rovers could experience something like what happened to Dundalk in Cyprus, though I think that chastening experience for us could help Rovers. You just never know with Dundalk, if we play to our potential there is a chance however small. We dont want the parachute route but at least its there and we have at least given ouselves a shout at EL play-off round if the draw is kind eg one of lInfield or Torshaven. The owners just might be happy also with the minimum of the 1.2mil banked....

[pineapple stu]

I think there was a lot of unseen pressure on Dundalk.
That's a fair point as well.


I think were are all guilty of expecting the worst when LoI teams are in Europe
I don't think that's necessarily true. Familiarity with our clubs can lead to over-confidence as much as familiarity with our ****-ups can lead to pessimism. The consensus on here was Dundalk to go through and maybe one of the other three; that was pretty much spot on.

But sure let's see how it goes. Qarabag are beatable (BATE-able? :p) on a good day. I imagine Dundalk fans will be paying at least some interest to the Europa League draw on Monday though. Dundalk should be able to get a favourable draw in that, which would be a nice worst-case scenario.

[mcgonigle]

Confirmed that our away leg kicks off at 8pm local time which can only be a good thing for us with the heat there

That's good news. I always wondered how Larnaca were allowed play our game so early. It was very hot at k.o

[Nesta99]

Maybe its me projecting on the pessimism of a **** up lol or maybe Larnaca or Sava's misskick v St Petersbug lingers in the back of the mind. I dont think there is overconfidence now though especially after Larnaca. I was hopeful on that tie after the home 0-0, I let myself 'expect'. Kenny's motivation coupled with previous performances against more fancied clubs maybe we did become overconfident to an extent, not arrogantly but buying in to SK's 'belief' - a year previous Kilduff's missed sitter to put Rosenborg out and how they threw away beating Celtic, so Larnaca...we can handle them:( Prior to Larnaca Irish sides had played Cypriots 15 times won 7 drawn 2 so while we knew Cypriot football had progressed not to the extent of a 4-0 defeat. It's not that relevant but I think if we were playing that game again that we would perform better certainly more cautious; hopefully it will be of some benefit to Rovers in the way we were grounded with a nice bump that evening, they certainly wont underestimate them if we did last year.

Looking at footage of Qarabag they have a lot of pace, play intricately cutting both inside and out on the wings with ease so any going to ground or lunging in and we'll be in trouble. All the previous European experience will need to be called on. Having Boyle back could be a game changer as if we had to rely on Garts his lack of pace would be exposed. Will be key to have Shields fit to start, Benson's ability to influence the pace of the game could be important or maybe Murray's energy getting about the pitch. McEleney needs to turn up with his own bit of magic. Duffy and Kelly on the wings might just worry them enough not to overload with their full backs. Jarvis or Massey is a toss of a coin as they each have their strengths - maybe Jarvis as the pacier of the two but we lose how effective Massey and Duffy link up. Of course Hoban needs to be sharp not only with chances on goal but as an out ball and hold it up well.

On Hoban, after the penalty shoot-out he seemed to head straight for the tunnel where every other player charged toward Hoare and to the Dundalk fans. Maybe he was over after as the coverage ended quickly without any punditry. He may be doing the professional job and was giving plenty of encouragement in the Captains role but doesnt seem a happy chap at all imo, body language is just off eg he doesnt celebrate a goal like a man on a mission compared to last season - has he dropped the 'Hobanator' celebration too as I havent noted it.

[EatYerGreens]

Go on Gary!

Serious result for Rovers, this. Athlone Town the only other LoI side to defeat Norwegian opposition in Europe

Technically Derry City too in 1964 when they beat FL Lyn. Technically - as they're LOI now, but were IL then

[EatYerGreens]

Brilliant from Rovers but those numptys running onto the pitch are embarrassing

Just don't get it myself. Grown men acting like giddy babies. UEFA will whack them with a big fine for that, as it's considered both dangerous and a sign of poor matchday organisation.

That aside, an amazing result and performance by Rovers. Great to see it.

[sparky12345678]

Absolutely. But I don't think that should be the target for a "very good" night in Europe is all.

A good night -- proper expectations fulfilled is 2 seeded teams going through their expected round. In this case the seeded team (cork) lost out but the unseeded team Rovers did well. While they kind of cancel each other out the Cork result is not a shock given their current position in the league so we might have said it was expected that they wouldnt live up to their seeding. Rovers doing as well as they did is then a greater surprise. Dundalk's lack of goals is also a disappointment though... so its a bit of a mixed night overall. Hopefully Dundalk step up their game and get a draw or a win to keep the tie alive and for the coefficient; likewise Rovers.

[bennocelt]

Just looking at this now on uefa site, if Dundalk lose............in group 2, so a chance of getting (likely losers) Feronikeli (KOS), FC Santa Coloma (AND), Dudelange (LUX), Sarajevo (BIH) or Partizani (ALB). Santa Coloma would be a great draw if Dundalk dont win in the CL

Champions path (draw: approx. 12:25 CEST)

Group 1
1 The New Saints (WAL) / København (DEN)
2 Saburtalo (GEO) / GNK Dinamo (CRO)
3 Sutjeska (MNE) / APOEL (CYP)
4 Crvena zvezda (SRB) / HJK Helsinki (FIN)
5 CFR Cluj (ROU) / Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR)
1 SP Tre Penne (SMR) / Sūduva (LTU)
2 Piast Gliwice (POL) / Riga FC (LVA)
3 Ararat-Armenia (ARM) / Lincoln Red Imps (GIB)
4 Valur Reykjavík (ISL) / Ludogorets (BUL)
5 HB Tórshavn (FRO) / Linfield (NIR)


Group 2
6 Celtic (SCO) / Nõmme Kalju (EST)
7 BATE Borisov (BLR) / Rosenborg (NOR)
8 Dundalk (IRL) / Qarabağ (AZE)
9 Maribor (SVN) / AIK (SWE)
10 Ferencváros (HUN) / Valletta (MLT)
Sarajevo (BIH)*
6 Partizani (ALB) / Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)
7 Slovan Bratislava (SVK) / Feronikeli (KOS)
8 FC Santa Coloma (AND) / Astana (KAZ)
9 Shkëndija (MKD) / Dudelange (LUX)

[cobhlad]

Any Dundalk or league fans ITK, what’s the likelihood of the cup game with Cobh on August 10th being postponed due to Europe?

[oriel]

I think a lot is being made of Dundalk's failure to score, and remember this is only one of 3 away games since 2014 they have failed to, would have been a fair few games too in that period as last wed was the 70th in total.

Dundalk played 'just ok' anyone who saw both or one of the games will have seen that, but its not really that big of a deal, they got through, that's all that matters, they and everyone knows they will need to up their game big time to have even a chance v Qarabag.

Rovers should be in good confidence going to Cyprus, the night time ko will help, although it will still be mid 20's at 8pm in late July, better than late afternoon kick off that we had last year, but no excuses we were beaten fair and square.

[Yossarian]

Just looking at this now on uefa site, if Dundalk lose............in group 2, so a chance of getting (likely losers) Feronikeli (KOS), FC Santa Coloma (AND), Dudelange (LUX), Sarajevo (BIH) or Partizani (ALB). Santa Coloma would be a great draw if Dundalk dont win in the CL

Champions path (draw: approx. 12:25 CEST)

Group 1
1 The New Saints (WAL) / København (DEN)
2 Saburtalo (GEO) / GNK Dinamo (CRO)
3 Sutjeska (MNE) / APOEL (CYP)
4 Crvena zvezda (SRB) / HJK Helsinki (FIN)
5 CFR Cluj (ROU) / Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR)
1 SP Tre Penne (SMR) / Sūduva (LTU)
2 Piast Gliwice (POL) / Riga FC (LVA)
3 Ararat-Armenia (ARM) / Lincoln Red Imps (GIB)
4 Valur Reykjavík (ISL) / Ludogorets (BUL)
5 HB Tórshavn (FRO) / Linfield (NIR)


Group 2
6 Celtic (SCO) / Nõmme Kalju (EST)
7 BATE Borisov (BLR) / Rosenborg (NOR)
8 Dundalk (IRL) / Qarabağ (AZE)
9 Maribor (SVN) / AIK (SWE)
10 Ferencváros (HUN) / Valletta (MLT)
Sarajevo (BIH)*
6 Partizani (ALB) / Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)
7 Slovan Bratislava (SVK) / Feronikeli (KOS)
8 FC Santa Coloma (AND) / Astana (KAZ)
9 Shkëndija (MKD) / Dudelange (LUX)

I think it’s the winners of those unseeded teams we would play as they are the games from the EL round 2 to be played. Some tough enough teams there.

[Buller]

Rovers should be in good confidence going to Cyprus, the night time ko will help, although it will still be mid 20's at 8pm in late July, better than late afternoon kick off that we had last year, but no excuses we were beaten fair and square.

I remember that... how did they get away changing it to an afternoon kickoff?!!

[Nesta99]

I think it’s the winners of those unseeded teams we would play as they are the games from the EL round 2 to be played. Some tough enough teams there.

I was thinking that. If the draw was to play the losers of those ties it would be a resonable draw bar game 6. Playing the winners of that round would 9 Shkëndija (MKD) / Dudelange (LUX) be the choice draw? TNS beat the the Macedonians well last year albeit losing 5-4 on agg. We know a thing or two about Dudelange. Bratilave would be a handful. Partizani were made look ordinary ve Qarabag. Astana a mare for travel too. Sarajevo Ive just seen is owned by Vincent Tan, they got an awful draw last season but a credible 2-2 draw with Atalanta when the tie was done after the fist leg

[bennocelt]

I think it’s the winners of those unseeded teams we would play as they are the games from the EL round 2 to be played. Some tough enough teams there.

you are right, silly me, losers in black to play winners, bit more difficult then:o


Group 2
6 Celtic (SCO) / Nõmme Kalju (EST)
7 BATE Borisov (BLR) / Rosenborg (NOR)
8 Dundalk (IRL) / Qarabağ (AZE)
9 Maribor (SVN) / AIK (SWE)
10 Ferencváros (HUN) / Valletta (MLT)
Sarajevo (BIH)*
6 Partizani (ALB) / Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)
7 Slovan Bratislava (SVK) / Feronikeli (KOS)
8 FC Santa Coloma (AND) / Astana (KAZ)
9 Shkëndija (MKD) / Dudelange (LUX)

[joey B]

Paddy Power has Dundalk 6/4 to qualify for the next round of the champions league:eek: terrible value imo

[oriel]

Confirmed that our away leg kicks off at 8pm local time which can only be a good thing for us with the heat there

Well that's def better, will still be 20c min but obv much better than the 35c DFC faced at a 6.30 (I think) local time ko, we had in Larnaca. It all helps. I had a mate out at the game, last year, he said even the walk to the stadium with his kids was exhausting in that heat in mid July. This was fans well hydrated, can you imagine the players?

[oriel]

I remember that... how did they get away changing it to an afternoon kickoff?!!

Come to think of it, no idea, crazy that wasn't challenged.

[Charlie Darwin]

Come to think of it, no idea, crazy that wasn't challenged.
I assume TV dictates it usually.

[dundalkfc10]

Maybe its me projecting on the pessimism of a **** up lol or maybe Larnaca or Sava's misskick v St Petersbug lingers in the back of the mind. I dont think there is overconfidence now though especially after Larnaca. I was hopeful on that tie after the home 0-0, I let myself 'expect'. Kenny's motivation coupled with previous performances against more fancied clubs maybe we did become overconfident to an extent, not arrogantly but buying in to SK's 'belief' - a year previous Kilduff's missed sitter to put Rosenborg out and how they threw away beating Celtic, so Larnaca...we can handle them:( Prior to Larnaca Irish sides had played Cypriots 15 times won 7 drawn 2 so while we knew Cypriot football had progressed not to the extent of a 4-0 defeat. It's not that relevant but I think if we were playing that game again that we would perform better certainly more cautious; hopefully it will be of some benefit to Rovers in the way we were grounded with a nice bump that evening, they certainly wont underestimate them if we did last year.

Looking at footage of Qarabag they have a lot of pace, play intricately cutting both inside and out on the wings with ease so any going to ground or lunging in and we'll be in trouble. All the previous European experience will need to be called on. Having Boyle back could be a game changer as if we had to rely on Garts his lack of pace would be exposed. Will be key to have Shields fit to start, Benson's ability to influence the pace of the game could be important or maybe Murray's energy getting about the pitch. McEleney needs to turn up with his own bit of magic. Duffy and Kelly on the wings might just worry them enough not to overload with their full backs. Jarvis or Massey is a toss of a coin as they each have their strengths - maybe Jarvis as the pacier of the two but we lose how effective Massey and Duffy link up. Of course Hoban needs to be sharp not only with chances on goal but as an out ball and hold it up well.

On Hoban, after the penalty shoot-out he seemed to head straight for the tunnel where every other player charged toward Hoare and to the Dundalk fans. Maybe he was over after as the coverage ended quickly without any punditry. He may be doing the professional job and was giving plenty of encouragement in the Captains role but doesnt seem a happy chap at all imo, body language is just off eg he doesnt celebrate a goal like a man on a mission compared to last season - has he dropped the 'Hobanator' celebration too as I havent noted it.

Their is a video showing Hoban go straight to Riga players to shake hands with them all after Hoares goal. Another video of him doing the worm in front of the away fans (with all his teammates egging him on).

So stop trying to spread lies online

[bennocelt]

Main path (draw: 14:00 CEST)
Group 1
1 Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC (ISR) / FC Kairat Almaty (KAZ)
2 Feyenoord (NED)
3 Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) / Apollon Limassol FC (CYP)
4 Torino FC (ITA) / Debreceni VSC (HUN)
5 FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) / Olympiacos FC (GRE)
6 FK Austria Wien (AUT)
7 IFK Norrköping (SWE) / FK Liepaja (LVA)
8 Gabala SC (AZE) / FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)
9 FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) / Esbjerg fB (DEN)
10 Royal Antwerp FC (BEL)

You imagine if Rovers were able to get past Limassol then Noorkoping/dinamo tbilisi or esberg would be manageable?

[disgruntled]

Their is a video showing Hoban go straight to Riga players to shake hands with them all after Hoares goal. Another video of him doing the worm in front of the away fans (with all his teammates egging him on).

So stop trying to spread lies online

What ! Lies online.
Surely not 😏

[sbgawa]

Their is a video showing Hoban go straight to Riga players to shake hands with them all after Hoares goal. Another video of him doing the worm in front of the away fans (with all his teammates egging him on).

So stop trying to spread lies online

Eh....he prefaced his comments on Hoban by saying maybe he was wrong as tv coverage ended quickly.....Not exactly lies I would have thought.....

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk V Qarabag sold out


Dundalk FC
9 mins ·
���� SOLD OUT | Our UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie vs @FKQarabaghEN is now sold out. Demand was extremely high and Oriel Park's capacity is restricted for European matches. Sorry to those who missed out. #QARDUN #DundalkInEurope

[oriel]

Is this the first time an Irish side has played v Azerbaijan? I have vauge memories of Shels / Pats playing somewhere close by in this region?

Dublin to Cyprus is 4,800K, Baku is 5k, almost sure Pats went further distance wise, if they did any Pats fans know off hand how they got there, was it by charter or two or three separate flights?

[seand]

Dundalk to Baku is 4,385km, a new record for Dundalk, but Pats retain the League of Ireland record, at 5,028km to Karagandy. I think Aberdeen hold the European record with 5,515km to Almaty. It's only a matter of time before an Iceland-Kazakhstan tie breaks the record.
Dundalk to Tel-Aviv was 'just' 4,054km, nearly 1,500km more than Dundalk's previous record trip (to Malta)
(Dundalk have also gone 3747km to Larnaca and 3419km to St Petersburg recently)

[patrickccfc]

APOEL of Cyprus or Sutjeska of Montenegro for Dundalk if they progress against Qarabag

https://twitter.com/DundalkFC/status/1153246064595673093?s=19

[patrickccfc]

Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia or Feronikeli of Kosovo await the losers in ELQR3

[PartySaint]

Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia or Feronikeli of Kosovo await the losers in ELQR3

Don't think Dundalk or Qarabag will fear either of those.

[sparky12345678]

Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia or Feronikeli of Kosovo await the losers in ELQR3

Bratislava is (usually) a handy Ryanair trip (plus the aerlingus/Ryanair flight to vienna). I tihnk theyve gone up alot now for August but still manageable. Its also a cheap/nice city to walk around etc. Meet some locals etc.

[oriel]

Nice one, if it is Bratisalva, good to know about Aer Lingus option to Vienna, looks to be just over an hour by train to Bratsislva.

Not the worst of draws really.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Wien away first if we get past Limassol.

The fact we were seeded for that draw given some of the unseeded teams shows how strong limassol are though so it'll be tough

[seand]

Austria Vienna for Rovers, if they somehow get through, an extremely tough draw given that Rovers/Appollon were seeded. As they were drawn away first there's a good chance Rovers or Dundalk ties will be reversed as we'd both theoretically need Tallaght for the second leg. Otherwise you'd have the prospect of playing 50km apart in Vienna and Bratislava on the same night in the first leg.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Austria Vienna for Rovers, if they somehow get through, an extremely tough draw given that Rovers/Appollon were seeded. As they were drawn away first there's a good chance Rovers or Dundalk ties will be reversed as we'd both theoretically need Tallaght for the second leg. Otherwise you'd have the prospect of playing 50km apart in Vienna and Bratislava on the same night in the first leg.

If ones going to be reversed it'll be Dundalk so I'd guess they'll do everything to avoid that.

[pineapple stu]

Nice one, if it is Bratisalva, good to know about Aer Lingus option to Vienna, looks to be just over an hour by train to Bratsislva.

Not the worst of draws really.
Uisce Beatha a good spot for pints. Ex Dundalk player living in Bratislava so I imagine he's conflicted as to whether he wants Dundalk to win or lose on Wednesday now!

Did enjoy Zbrojnos and the Gremlin too for a later night

[Yossarian]

If ones going to be reversed it'll be Dundalk so I'd guess they'll do everything to avoid that.

It depends which competition it is. Both our legs are away first in both competitions but if it’s the champions league then the Rovers game may be reversed as I think UEFA give priority to the champions league. It’ll be a nice problem to have if we do get past Qarabag. If we’re in the Europa then it may be us but I think they give priority to the higher ranked team. I don’t know if it has a bearing with Rovers being tenants in Tallaght. Hopefully rovers get through so this problem arises.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

It depends which competition it is. Both our legs are away first in both competitions but if it’s the champions league then the Rovers game may be reversed as I think UEFA give priority to the champions league. It’ll be a nice problem to have if we do get past Qarabag. If we’re in the Europa then it may be us but I think they give priority to the higher ranked team. I don’t know if it has a bearing with Rovers being tenants in Tallaght.

Rovers game won't be reversed, UEFA don't get a say in who changes they just say someone needs to switch its down to the clubs to sort it out. Even if they do give priority even UEFA wouldn't have the neck to tell a team that they need to move their home game because another team needs to borrow the ground. UEFA at most act as advisors as to who they think should switch but they don't just go and tell someone to switch. As you say hopefully it's a problem that comes up though

[seand]

If ones going to be reversed it'll be Dundalk so I'd guess they'll do everything to avoid that.

Why? I think Dundalk would take priority as the higher ranked team regardless (that was the case when we played Jeunesse and they had to move days to accommodate another team borrowing their ground). If we're in the CL we'd probably play Tuesday so Rovers could play Thursday, if we're in the EL one of the games would be swtiched (possibly even just to Tuesday?), I suspect Rovers more likely to be bounced, but it depends on how the rest of the draw affects teams playing in Vienna, Bratislava and Kosovo as well as Dublin. Moot point anyway, we'll be in Cyprus ;-)

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Why? I think Dundalk would take priority as the higher ranked team regardless (that was the case when we played Jeunesse and they had to move days to accommodate another team borrowing their ground). If we're in the CL we'd probably play Tuesday so Rovers could play Thursday, if we're in the EL one of the games would be swtiched (possibly even just to Tuesday?), I suspect Rovers more likely to be bounced, but it depends on how the rest of the draw affects teams playing in Vienna, Bratislava and Kosovo as well as Dublin. Moot point anyway, we'll be in Cyprus ;-)

The team who's official home ground is the stadium and are anchor tenants in the stadium won't be moved to accommodate another team borrowing the stadium, that'd be some stretch to justify even for UEFA

[Ezeikial]

Rovers game won't be reversed, UEFA don't get a say in who changes they just say someone needs to switch its down to the clubs to sort it out. Even if they do give priority even UEFA wouldn't have the neck to tell a team that they need to move their home game because another team needs to borrow the ground. UEFA at most act as advisors as to who they think should switch but they don't just go and tell someone to switch. As you say hopefully it's a problem that comes up though


It would be an absolute hoot if this came to pass.

It has always been UEFA who make these calls and the precedent has been that the lower ranked team gets moved.

[paul_oshea]

Is this the first time an Irish side has played v Azerbaijan? I have vauge memories of Shels / Pats playing somewhere close by in this region?

Dublin to Cyprus is 4,800K, Baku is 5k, almost sure Pats went further distance wise, if they did any Pats fans know off hand how they got there, was it by charter or two or three separate flights?

fly to georgia and get the train down over night. Georgian airways fly direct so you could land into gatwick and do that. Monday flight. other options are luton kutaisi and again overland to azerbaijan

[Yossarian]

The team who's official home ground is the stadium and are anchor tenants in the stadium won't be moved to accommodate another team borrowing the stadium, that'd be some stretch to justify even for UEFA

Sure Rovers only borrow the stadium from the council aswell.

[seand]

The team who's official home ground is the stadium and are anchor tenants in the stadium won't be moved to accommodate another team borrowing the stadium, that'd be some stretch to justify even for UEFA

I don't think UEFA give a flying one which team rents which communal stadium for domestic games more often. There's precedent that the higher ranked team takes priority, not that I'm bothered either way.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

I don't think UEFA give a flying one which team rents which communal stadium for domestic games more often. There's precedent that the higher ranked team takes priority, not that I'm bothered either way.

Being an anchor tenant is slightly different to renting but this is old ground and if people haven't got it by now they never will