I think the Northern Irish teams have a better chance to be honest. Not because I think they are better teams (haven't seen any of them play so can't assume), but purely because they will be in the middle of their season.
The reason EL clubs did as well in Europe last season IMO was helped a lot by the fact they were well into their season and the other teams were not. Match fitness counts for a lot and I think this will be a big factor.
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