Shamrock Rovers (1) v Stjarnan (0), Tallaght Stadium, 8pm
Stephen Bradley is confident the better surface and partisan Tallaght Stadium crowd will bring the best out of his Shamrock Rovers side as they gear up for their Europa League first qualifying round second leg against Stjarnan.
Gary Shaw's first-half goal gave the Hoops a deserved victory in Iceland last week. Bradley expects another bruising collision on Thursday night, but he's backing his men to finish the job.
"Stjarnan were exactly what we thought they'd be, a physical team and dangerous from set plays," he said. "We knew that before we went there and it'll be the same again.
"They didn't change much so it'll be interesting to see if they will change anything for tomorrow.
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"But we're dangerous as well... It's great to get a win away in Europe, they're hard to come by but it counts for nothing if we don't go and win tomorrow.
"We're a different team here in Tallaght, they'll see that tomorrow night with the crowd behind us and on a better pitch.
"The support in Iceland was brilliant, the same in Sligo and the same it's been all year. The players see that and they respond to that and I think you can sense that on the pitch. I know tomorrow will be a big crowd for us. I don't think Stjarnan fully know what to expect."
Team news
Paul Corry remains out but that aside, Bradley has a full squad to choose from.
Cork City (2) v (0) Levadia Tallinn, Turner's Cross, 7.45pm
John Caulfield said Cork City's passionate fanbase has "a huge role to play" if they're to extend their European odyssey.
The Leesiders - top of the Airtiricty League Premier Division table and yet to be beaten this term - welcome Levadia Tallinn to Turner’s Cross on Thursday night with a 2-0 first-leg qualifying lead to protect.
Garry Buckley’s free-kick and Steven Beattie's terrific drive earned a fine win on the road last week.
A large crowd is expected at Turner’s Cross as Cork look to finish off the job, and boss Caulfield wants the fans to make their presence felt.
"You only get a certain number of games in Europe each year, if you’re lucky, and the ticket sales look very strong, so we expect another huge crowd because our supporters have a huge role to play," he said.
"I think it is a different type of game now.
"Overall, I felt we were very good in the first half and I think 2-0 was a fair reflection of the game. At the same time, they know about us now and may change their formation.
"They need to come here and score to open the game up, so we need to manage the game properly. It is always a tricky situation because people may assume you are already in the next round, but you’re not and you have to approach the game properly."
Team news
Alan Bennett has returned to light training and will be assessed ahead of kick-off, while Steven Beattie is available again after injury. Johnny Dunleavy, John Kavanagh, Alan Bennett are all out injured. New signing Kieran Sadlier is not eligible to play until the next round.
Derry City (1) v FC Midtjylland (6), the Showgrounds, 7.45pm
Derry City are playing for pride at the home of Sligo Rovers tonight after their heavy loss in Denmark last week.
With the Brandywell being redeveloped, and their temporary home of Maginn Park not suitable for European games, the Candystripes host a very polished FC Midtjylland outfit at the Showgrounds.
Boss Kennny Shiels accepts his team were outclassed in the first leg but called for a much-improved performance.
"Yes, we know that we are coming up against a top side, but we also know that we can do better," he told the Derry Journal.
"It’s going to be strange playing a European home game away from home, but it was good of Sligo to provide us with the venue so we are appreciative of that and hopefully we can give a good display."
Team news
Barry McNamee is out with a knee problem, and Conor McDermott also won't feature due to a groin injury.
