DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews two big European ties involving clubs from the League of Ireland this week…
These are tricky looking fixtures for our Irish sides yet I believe they are capable of pulling off positive results. Here are my thoughts looking forward to both games alongside considered score prediction to assist your football betting…
UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round First Leg Predictions
HNK Rijeka v Derry City
- Kick-off: 7.45pm Irish time
- Score prediction: Sterile 0-0.
Giving the team their full name, Hrvatski Nogometni Klub Rijeka achieved fourth place in the Croatian Football League last season although a massive 33 points behind crowned champions GNK Dinamo Zagreb.
After finishing runners-up for the 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign, Derry City – otherwise known as the Candystripes – currently sit a disappointing sixth in the table. Indeed, some 13 points below those all-important European qualification slots.
I was present for the 0-0 home draw against Shelbourne in May where I noticed there was considerable dissatisfaction towards boss Tiernan Lynch being voiced throughout by the fans. Significantly, they’ve drawn 11 of 25 LOI games fulfilled so far achieving just one victory in the last four outings.
In addition, Derry have accept the ruling of UEFA’s Appeals Body to levy a fine of €20,000 and impose a partial closure of the North Stand at the Brandywell (suspended for two years) due to crowd trouble at their recent home Europa League First Qualifying Round Second Leg tie against CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria.
CSKA won 2-1 on the night to cement a 5-3 aggregate advantage meaning Derry dropped straight into the UEFA Conference League.
Coming up: the Second Leg is scheduled for the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry on Thursday 30th July at 6.30pm (Irish time).
Shelbourne v Nõmme Kalju
- Kick-off: 7.45pm Irish time
- Score prediction: Shels supreme 2-0.
One win across the past four League of Ireland fixtures sees Shels eight points short of the European qualification region filling fifth spot. At Tolka Park, they’ve won only three of their 13 home fixtures thus far.
Head coach Joey O’Brien departed the club on 25th June. But I was surprised by his replacement last week (13th July) – John Russell joining the Reds from Sligo Rovers who are rock bottom of the table slumbering five points adrift of safety.
Russell said: “I am fully focused now on Shelbourne. It is one of the biggest teams in Ireland holding a proud history and great support.
“That’s why I wanted this job and I understand the expectations coming with the role. There is real quality within the Shels squad so I am looking forward to working with the players to help develop them further.
“I believe I can build a side capable of competing for success. I want the fans at Tolka Park to be excited about what they are coming to see. I will put out a team who are brave when in possession, aggressive when trying to win the ball back and ultimately leaving everything on the pitch.”
Nõmme Kalju preview are currently third in the Estonian League Meistriliiga which is played through the summer like in Ireland. However, Nõmme Kalju trail the leaders Levadia by an 11 point margin having played a game more.
In the UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round, Nõmme Kalju ousted Northern Ireland’s Linfield 3-2 on aggregate (1-0 at home followed by a 2-2 draw in Belfast).
Coming up: the Second Leg will take place on Thursday 30th July with a 5pm kick-off (Irish time) at Hiiu Stadium in Tallinn.
