The Daily Star Ireland
The UEFA Conference League qualification race heats up on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as Shamrock Rovers welcome KF Ballkani to Tallaght Stadium for the decisive second leg of their tie. Kick-off is set for 20:00, with the Irish champions needing to overturn a narrow 1-0 first-leg defeat to keep their European ambitions alive.
The Kosovan side carries a slender lead into Dublin after edging the opener on home turf, but with the tie far from over, both teams are expected to go all out in search of a place in the next round.
Betting Outlook: Goals on the Cards
Given recent form and the stakes at play, analysts are expecting an intense, attacking game. Our primary betting recommendation is Both Teams to Score (BTTS) at odds of 1.95. Shamrock Rovers’ need to chase the game should naturally open up space for KF Ballkani to counter, increasing the likelihood of goals at both ends.
As an alternative, the Over 2.5 Goals market at odds of 2.10 also offers value. With an average of around 2.3 goals per match in their recent outings, both teams have shown a capacity to score — and with the home side in must-win mode, an open contest seems likely.
Shamrock Rovers – Banking on Home Advantage
Shamrock Rovers come into this clash with mixed results in recent weeks. Domestically, they’ve maintained a competitive edge, but their European campaign has been inconsistent. Their most recent outing — a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Galway United — highlighted their defensive solidity but also underlined the need for greater cutting edge in attack.
Manager Stephen Bradley has built a side known for controlling possession and moving the ball quickly into advanced areas, but the lack of an away goal in Kosovo leaves them with work to do. Tallaght Stadium has often proven a fortress in Europe for the Hoops, and Bradley will hope home support can inspire a turnaround.
In their last five matches across all competitions, Rovers have posted two wins, two draws, and one loss, suggesting stability but not dominance. For Thursday’s clash, an aggressive and adaptable tactical approach could be key — especially if an early goal is needed to swing momentum.
KF Ballkani – Defending with Discipline, Threatening on the Break
KF Ballkani arrive in Ireland with confidence after their narrow first-leg victory. Under manager Orges Shehi, the Kosovan champions have developed a pragmatic style: solid at the back, disciplined in shape, and dangerous in transition. Like Rovers, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five outings.
While the temptation might be to sit deep and defend their lead, Ballkani have shown they can punish opponents on the counter. Their tactical plan will likely involve absorbing pressure, frustrating the home side, and striking quickly when opportunities arise.
Shehi’s experience, albeit limited at this level, could be decisive in managing the high-pressure environment at Tallaght, particularly if the match becomes an end-to-end affair.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
The only prior meeting between these clubs came in last week’s first leg, where KF Ballkani’s 1-0 win provided the tie’s only goal so far.
Form guide – last five matches (all competitions):
- Shamrock Rovers: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (last match: 0-0 vs Galway United)
- KF Ballkani: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (last match: 1-0 vs Shamrock Rovers)
With the tie delicately poised, the Irish champions’ need to score should set the stage for a more expansive contest than the cagey first leg.
Prediction
All signs point toward a fiercely contested second leg. KF Ballkani’s advantage means Shamrock Rovers will have to take risks, and that could lead to more chances for both sides.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals — with both teams likely to score in a tense, high-energy battle that could go right down to the wire.
