LOI In Europe 2020

[placid casual]

OK cool, so is it felt that sheriff are better than the team you'd meet after that. Handy if that's the case.
It would certainly turn dundalks season around anyway.
Sheriff are bankrolled by dodgy money I believe. Then again in European football who isn't these days eh!

[CorribsideSteve]

I don't think most of us are that confident actually. I give us about a 30% chance against Sheriff (and I would consider myself to be an optimist!).

OK, the good draw for the playoff round might have gotten the hopes up a bit more but sure it's the hope that kills you in the end.

If we do manage to get past Sheriff then I will be making no apologies for ratcheting up my expectations. So one more game away from losing the run of ourselves and then being brought crashing down to earth by Brian Gartland managing to hit one into our own net via a Georgian players arse in the last minute of injury time to lose 1-0. There's an ever-present threat of some sort of Gartland captiulation haunting Dundalk's chances in Europe. Would be nice to see him score a crucuial goal from a corner instead. Is this the first time an LOI side is playing a Moldovan/Transistrian side since Zimbru 1999? Sorry Pat's fans that dread to remember.

[Ezeikial]

I don't think most of us are that confident actually. I give us about a 30% chance against Sheriff (and I would consider myself to be an optimist!).

OK, the good draw for the playoff round might have gotten the hopes up a bit more but sure it's the hope that kills you in the end.

If we do manage to get past Sheriff then I will be making no apologies for ratcheting up my expectations. So one more game away from losing the run of ourselves and then being brought crashing down to earth by Brian Gartland managing to hit one into our own net via a Georgian players arse in the last minute of injury time to lose 1-0.

I think it is very clear that Sheriff are favorites, although I'm not sure about the 10/3 odds suggested.

If we get through this round, it would be great craic having a lash at the Play Off

[pineapple stu]

There's an ever-present threat of some sort of Gartland captiulation haunting Dundalk's chances in Europe. Would be nice to see him score a crucuial goal from a corner instead. Is this the first time an LOI side is playing a Moldovan/Transistrian side since Zimbru 1999? Sorry Pat's fans that dread to remember.
Ah, the good old "We won't lose 5-0 again"

Yeah, first time since then (although UCD were a penalty shoot-out from playing in Chisinau in the Youth League in 2017)

Sheriff have made the group stages four times in the last decade, though only once in the last five years. They were knocked out of the CL by Qarabag twice in the last three years though, so they shouldn't be that far ahead of Dundalk (they lost 2-1 this year and 3-1 in 2018/19, while Dundalk lost 4-1 in between)

Their home record is quite good though; you'd have to hope it being behind closed doors will help Dundalk a bit.

[Martinho II]

I do remember reading about this new competition a long time ago but it went out of my brain rapidly! I do remember the old three european competitions .Think UEFA were hasty in madness in getting rid of Cup Winners Cup so welcome move for me!

[holidaysong]

OK cool, so is it felt that sheriff are better than the team you'd meet after that. Handy if that's the case.
It would certainly turn dundalks season around anyway.
Sheriff are bankrolled by dodgy money I believe. Then again in European football who isn't these days eh!

Yes, Sheriff are definitely seen as the tougher tie. So much so that you'd be very worried about complacency in the playoff round if we did get past them. Although it'll be a good worry to have come Friday morning.

[holidaysong]

I think it is very clear that Sheriff are favorites, although I'm not sure about the 10/3 odds suggested.

I decided to check and with Paddy Power we are 3.2 to advance, with Sheriff 1.29. So 30% vs 70% is in line with what the bookies think anyway.

Do you rate us to have a lower or higher chance out of interest?

[sbgawa]

Had a few quid on dundalk to qualify.
Sherrif are not world beaters, favourite for sure but not 3/10

[Yossarian]

Had a few quid on dundalk to qualify.
Sherrif are not world beaters, favourite for sure but not 3/10

I’m not as confident. Obviously they’re not world beaters but I think they are a level above us. They have just signed a player who played against us in the Europa League group stages for Alkmaar, so that gives an idea of their level. I think we can do it but as ever we need be more clinical in front of goal and we need to avoid silly mistakes at the back. The usual requirements for an Irish team in Europe I suppose.

[Ezeikial]

I decided to check and with Paddy Power we are 3.2 to advance, with Sheriff 1.29. So 30% vs 70% is in line with what the bookies think anyway.

Do you rate us to have a lower or higher chance out of interest?

It may just be a tendency to be over-optimistic on my part, but I see our chances as being closer to 40%.

Filippo Giovagnoli appears to have steadied the ship over the last 4 weeks - even if the performances have been only marginally better than adequate, the 3 successive wins and new regime appears to have had a positive impact on the squad.

Although Andy Boyle's suspension is unfortunate, Patrick McEleney's availability - probably from the bench - adds another creative string to the bow. From the players perspective, they know a win lifts them back to he rarefied air of Europa League Group Stages possibilities, while a defeat could leave the season in a negative tail spin.

Obviously a lot also depends on the quality and attitude of the Shefiff side - it looks like a stream could be confirmed later today.

Brian Gartland to get his 51s goal for Dundalk with a 90th minute bullet header

[Ezeikial]

If it all happens, Without a doubt it will provide more group stage opportunities for League if Ireland clubs. I don’t think clubs will be too bothered about which logo is on the match ticket if the clubs are making money from it and building new euro experiences



They most certainly will be bothered about the logo if the prizemoney isn't the same. If prizemoney for the new ECL group stages is comparable to EL group stages, I think it will be a very positive development for the LOI.

An illustration of what I mean, is that if the European Conference League was in place this season, Dundalk would have the safety net of on ECL playoff even if beaten by Sheriff this week and would be guaranteed a Group Stage place in one or other competition with a win.

It's clear what the preference would be and the EL would have more money and prestige, but I don' think clubs would resent or reject the additional income and euro experience - do you?

[paul_oshea]

I’m not as confident. Obviously they’re not world beaters but I think they are a level above us. They have just signed a player who played against us in the Europa League group stages for Alkmaar, so that gives an idea of their level. I think we can do it but as ever we need be more clinical in front of goal and we need to avoid silly mistakes at the back. The usual requirements for an Irish team in Europe I suppose.

I've been out to both places, moldova and transnistria, not sure what the incentive is to go there really unless a family connection. Its very poor, and the football isn't up to much out there. Regardless of the money being pumped in, these teams should not be posing problems to Irish sides in reality.

[pineapple stu]

In fairness, "money being pumped in" makes a huge difference to any football club. You can't just ignore it.

[paul_oshea]

Their players are made up of journey men from various lower level European leagues or Africans and South Americans(ive always advocated for LOI sides to setup loan schemes with SA teams - just like the learning English in Dublin thing). I doubt it takes much to get them over to a country like moldova and paying them more than they are getting back home, but enough to get a visa. I dont know the visa situation in Moldova, but I know that any moldovan can apply for a romanian passport, perhaps there's another way around and this is the carrot thats dangled in front of them around moving to "Europe".

Id be surprised if they were being paid much more than the top players in the LOI. Be great actually if all that information was made available by UEFA as a regulation like companies house or something.

[pineapple stu]

Probably all correct.

Doesn't mean Irish clubs should have no trouble off them though.

[Real ale Madrid]

An illustration of what I mean, is that if the European Conference League was in place this season, Dundalk would have the safety net of on ECL playoff even if beaten by Sheriff this week and would be guaranteed a Group Stage place in one or other competition with a win.

It's clear what the preference would be and the EL would have more money and prestige, but I don' think clubs would resent or reject the additional income and euro experience - do you?

Not sure that is quite correct. If Dundalk, for example lost to Celje at CL QR1 stage in 2021 - they go straight into the ECL Q rounds. They won't have a second safety net.

It will be crucial going forward to win CL QR1. Then if you lose in the EL quals in either QR2 or QR3 then you will have an additional safety net of ECL Quals. But you have to win CL QR1!

I did a big excel spreadsheet on it when first announced. Can't find it now :(

Probably mentioned already but in terms of group stage places
Currently its a total of 80 - 32 CL 48 EL
Under the new system it will be 96 places - 32 CL 32 EL & 32 ECL
So an additional 16 places, but with at least 1 team from all the major leagues going into the competition qualifiers directly. I'm not sure exactly how many will be reserved for the champions path - i think its 5 but stand to be corrected on that.

[pineapple stu]

Wiki says 10 teams will parachute from the EL play-offs straight into the ECL groups (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League#Dist ribution). That's a mix of champions path (11 of the 20 play-off teams) and EL starters (9 of 20)

So that would reduce to 22 the group slots available for 3 of the 4 LoI sides.

[paul_oshea]

Paul, if you are ignorant about the Europa Conference League, perhaps a UK themed article might be easier to digest for you. Is a "narrow little head" intended as a strange personal insult - does it speak more about you?

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-uefa-europa-conference-league-18936794

Not at all Zeki, you just shifted the goalposts in the argument when you were proven wrong, as though youd created your own little world. I wasn't speaking in the physical sense either, so not sure why an infraction was warranted. I am fully aware of the "new" Conference league, but I'd be surprised if that goes ahead in the next 2 years.

I'm sure its been costed etc, but i still cant see how the ECL is profitable for UEFA, be interesting to see what figures they have on sponsorship etc. My assumption is its more break even than anything else and therefore the money available for clubs until much further progression is minimal if any, just covering costs. But i suppose playing against a better calibre of player is always a benefit too. I reckon its something that will last 3 years maybe and then be disbanded.

[CorribsideSteve]

Meanwhile in Transnistria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kVnrqBb6y4&t=0s&ab_channel=baldandbankrupt

[paul_oshea]

I dont like that guy, hes often got mixed up in which country he is. And always plays the poor piper tune of the country its a bit disingenuous. I've seen him get lari and moldovan currency(leu) mixed up before and other simple silly mistakes. He usually has a good looking translator (in non russian speaking countries) with him to get the hits.

[EatYerGreens]

I've been out to both places, moldova and transnistria, not sure what the incentive is to go there really unless a family connection. Its very poor, and the football isn't up to much out there. Regardless of the money being pumped in, these teams should not be posing problems to Irish sides in reality.

When Derry played Dinamo Minsk of Belarus a couple of years back, the Minsk website was literally laughing at the state of the roads up north and the fact that Belfast International Airport smelled of cow sh!t (presumably farmers nearby had recently sprayed slurry). There are probably people in Tiraspol right now chuckling about the state of Dundalk :D

If the wealth of a country was directly translatable into its football, we'd be better than teams from places like Portugal and Greece.

[CorribsideSteve]

I dont like that guy, hes often got mixed up in which country he is. And always plays the poor piper tune of the country its a bit disingenuous. I've seen him get lari and moldovan currency(leu) mixed up before and other simple silly mistakes. He usually has a good looking translator (in non russian speaking countries) with him to get the hits.

Fair enough, as you say you have indeed been out there yourself. I do agree that he makes silly mistakes at times, but I thought it was a decent representation of the people and the area, of which I knew nothing about otherwise.

[nigel-harps1954]

Going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Sheriff will win comfortably.

Mostly just to annoy the couple of Dundalk fans who have been close to unbearable on here recently..

[Nesta99]

I agree with point that you make on discipline, although here were none arising from Thursday evening - in fact quite the contrary, they acquitted themselves very well in he face of outrageous behaviour from Inter players and what was probably the worst referring performance I can recall seeing in an elite match.

This team have still to recover the form, swagger and belief that they have demonstrated previously and lead them to dominate LOI football over the last 6-7 year. They will go into next week's macth as underdogs, but only a fool would write them off. Co-efficient probably tells little, but the gap with Sheiff is modest (12.75 V 8.5) If Dinamo Tbilisa awaits the winners they are ranked even lower at 4.75.

Hail Mary hopes have never been part of the deal - this side has aspirations for something very different than a "crushing tonking" or "no Europe next year". I expect Europe fooball next season and would not be a all surprised to be taking on Dinamo Tbilisi for a place in the EL Group stages on 1 Oct

I agree, the conduct of the players v Inter under the circumstances was certainly stoic as necessary. While I dont think discipline is an issue for us, the behaviour of the Inter players was an (excessive) reminder of how European team milk everything they can. Experience is crucial in those circumstances and indeed, as much as goes against the grain, it is something we have drop to also at times imo. I think game management is the general term for player being ars*s.

I certainly hope that the teams puts in a big performance and progress. They are capable and can match aspriations but Im not feeling the swagger thats needed at all. Hence the hail mary hope on this occasion. Not something to have been used to but under current albeit improving form, a narrow win at a midtable Shels, Cobh in the Cup, and a 0-1 win against an Andoran side, to me means that we havent been really tested by a top outfit under the new coaching team. I do tend to sway on the fearful side of things and I dont think EL groups will be achieves but in saying that I wouldnt rule the possibility out. I havent seen Sherriff play but all things considered with us this season I couldnt make a shout for any more than a 30% chance of progression. Maybe I'm unnecessarily keeping my expetcations to a minimum so disappointment wont be as acute but I will always hope too of course. The hail mary hope is all mine, the team isnt going to go out with anything but the belief that they will win. A goal and settle after, grow in to a grove, and keep the error count down and we can be hopeful. I think we are still brittle enough that if we go behind we could ship a few by the end of the game. Soooo my prediction is for Dundalk to be 2-0 up and then they put us through the wringer by conceding 1 in the last ten and are just hanging on....

[Yossarian]

It looks like the game will be streamed on the same website as last weeks game. It’s listed on their schedule now.

https://www.laola1.at/de/ott/de-at/schedule

[Ezeikial]

Not at all Zeki, you just shifted the goalposts in the argument when you were proven wrong, as though youd created your own little world. I wasn't speaking in the physical sense either, so not sure why an infraction was warranted. .

I'm surprised that you have come back to the personal insult Paul - you appear to be comfortable about it and I'll just leave it with you

I don't know anything about any infraction - that's down to you and Mods

[dundalkfc10]

It may just be a tendency to be over-optimistic on my part, but I see our chances as being closer to 40%.

Filippo Giovagnoli appears to have steadied the ship over the last 4 weeks - even if the performances have been only marginally better than adequate, the 3 successive wins and new regime appears to have had a positive impact on the squad.

Although Andy Boyle's suspension is unfortunate, Patrick McEleney's availability - probably from the bench - adds another creative string to the bow. From the players perspective, they know a win lifts them back to he rarefied air of Europa League Group Stages possibilities, while a defeat could leave the season in a negative tail spin.

Obviously a lot also depends on the quality and attitude of the Shefiff side - it looks like a stream could be confirmed later today.

Brian Gartland to get his 51s goal for Dundalk with a 90th minute bullet header

I've been told only as they were confident they would get through without him McEleney would have travelled last week.

He will start IMO with Shields and Slogget behind him

One thing he can do is excel in Europe 2016, best player V Rosenborg in Oriel, best player when brought on v Slovan in Tallaght

[Ezeikial]

I've been told only as they were confident they would get through without him McEleney would have travelled last week.

He will start IMO with Shields and Slogget behind him

One thing he can do is excel in Europe 2016, best player V Rosenborg in Oriel, best player when brought on v Slovan in Tallaght

A fit and in-form Patrick McEleney would be increase our prospects significantly. He always appears to be an injury risk, but I would be delighted to see him start at No 10

[Ezeikial]

I really don't know if Filippo Giovagnoli is a good coach or not, but he certainly appears to have lots of sensible and grounded things to say.

Of course he is only pointing out the obvious to his players when he talks about what winning tonight could mean


"We have to be honest, this is the game that can change a season. It can make this season unbelievable for them. Not for us because we're only here a month but for them it can be an historic game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0923/1167048-giovagnoli-win-in-moldova-can-change-dundalk-fortunes/

[paul_oshea]

When Derry played Dinamo Minsk of Belarus a couple of years back, the Minsk website was literally laughing at the state of the roads up north and the fact that Belfast International Airport smelled of cow sh!t (presumably farmers nearby had recently sprayed slurry). There are probably people in Tiraspol right now chuckling about the state of Dundalk :D

If the wealth of a country was directly translatable into its football, we'd be better than teams from places like Portugal and Greece.

While I take your overall point you can not compare a country with the weakest economy in Europe, a developing country, with developed nations like Portugal, Greece and Ireland. Moldova is an extremely poor country and lacking all kinds of infrastructure that we take for granted in most of Europe. So whilst we might have a better and more functioning economy than Greece or Portugal, and yet they have better football leagues, there is nothing to compare in terms of living or anything else with Moldova - and that's the point I am trying to make.

[paul_oshea]

I really don't know if Filippo Giovagnoli is a good coach or not, but he certainly appears to have lots of sensible and grounded things to say.

Of course he is only pointing out the obvious to his players when he talks about what winning tonight could mean



https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0923/1167048-giovagnoli-win-in-moldova-can-change-dundalk-fortunes/

If they manage to get through tonight, which I can't see to be honest, it just shows you the fickleness of football fans, I am on the Dundalk facebook page and read the other one occasionally and no one was happy with the board(still not i know) and the appointment(tide turning in favour). Alls well that ends well.

A win does ask a bigger question, or qualification perhaps, but whats the standard of coaching really like? When you see some Italian underage coach coming in, and john sheridan coming in bit part and getting results.

[EatYerGreens]

Dundalk have one of the best player squads in the league - if not the best.

I reckon I could get results managing them myself initially (until I was found out :D)

[CuanaD]

https://www.laola1.at/de/ott/de-at/playerpage/233528

Link for tonight's game

[paul_oshea]

Dundalk have one of the best player squads in the league - if not the best.

I reckon I could get results managing them myself initially (until I was found out :D)

True, reading the interview and how he has analysed the team doesn't give you much hope.

But if he has managed to eradicate those dopey lapses and stupid errors (in Europe) then he has done more than his predecessor!

[joey B]

I see Zlatan has tested positive for Covid,Aaron Greene might want to give that jersey a wash!

[nigel-harps1954]

I see Zlatan has tested positive for Covid,Aaron Greene might want to give that jersey a wash!

Can trust them Dubs with nothing.

They've given Zlatan the covids now.

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk FC preview show from last night

Europa League Preview | Sheriff Tiraspol v Dundalk FC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isJ_Sl7004c&feature=youtu.be

[Nesta99]

Nerves are starting to kick in now. At least there isnt a whole load of expectation for a win but itd be nide to be surprised. McMillan in ruthless form the order of the day. Need the likes of Duffy to come out swinging. Can we manage not to concede a scrappy blooper!? Big opportunity for Gannon if in to replace Boyle assuming Hoare goes in to the centre.

[Real ale Madrid]

Good luck to Dundalk.

[Nesta99]

Very gracious lads. Possibly due to not having much of a chance ;p Once again it is a pivitol game in terms of financial spoils potential.

[Straightstory]

What are we expecting? Promising start; catastrophic mistake which leads to Sheriff going one nil up just before half-time; at least one sitter missed before a sending off and two late Sheriff goals on the break to make it 3-0.
I hope not - and best of luck to Dundalk, but...

[Buller]

Best of luck Dundalk, do the league proud.

[Buller]

What are we expecting? Promising start; catastrophic mistake which leads to Sheriff going one nil up just before half-time; at least one sitter missed before a sending off and two late Sheriff goals on the break to make it 3-0.
I hope not - and best of luck to Dundalk, but...

Ah yes, the standard "LOI in Europe" performance we all know far too well unfortunately! :D

[placid casual]

Any stream links to the game. The one posted before doesn't work in ROI

[Scrufil]

I tried a VPN does not work if using for Austria, Germany, Netherlands or Romania.

[DCSIL]

Dundalk just tweeted they're trying to sort the issues. Given where it is, i'm not surprised...

[EatYerGreens]

Any streams ?

[CorribsideSteve]

Any streams ?

http://sebn.live/240920/sebn-33.html

[nigel-harps1954]

Stream is up for me now on the above link...kinda. It's being very jumpy.

[Nesta99]

Anyone eles having trouble with the laola stream?