Dundalk will look to draw on recent Europe experiences as they go in search of an away win in Larnaca, which would send Stephen Kenny’s side into the next round of the Europa League.
The Lilywhites will, most likely, need at least one away goal to have a chance of progressing following the 0-0 first leg stalemate a Oriel Park last week – a repeat scoreline in Larnaca on Thursday night after extra time could, of course, see Dundalk through via a penalty shoot-out.
And this Dundalk side will take heart from their uncanny ability to score away from home in European competition in recent seasons as they look to repeat their heroics of 2016, where they reached the group stages of the competition for the first time.
Manager Stephen Kenny, however, still believes his side will go into the game as underdogs.
The Oriel Park-based side proved more than a match for the Cypriots in Dundalk last week and perhaps enjoyed the better chances in what was a fast-paced, attacking and entertaining encounter, but the manager believes that the home side will certainly hold the advantage going into the second leg.
"It is evenly balanced," said Kenny. "Larnaca will be favourites to go through as the home team, which is only natural.
"We have the capacity to score goals away from home and we have shown that consistently and we can take confidence from that."
Kenny remains confident, however, and was relieved to come through their weekend encounter with Bohemians unscathed, which saw his side return to the summit of the SSE Airtricity League.
"It was a tough game against Bohemians and I’m glad to get through Sunday’s game unscathed, no injuries from it, which is a bonus."
But Kenny is also aware of the quality of the Cypriot side, which boasts several full internationals, while conditions in Larnaca are also set to be in excess of 30 degrees at the time of kick-off.
"This is a big challenge in 35-degree heat, playing a Larnaca team with good European pedigree.
"But the players are looking forward to the game and they are ambitious themselves so they will want to progress."
Defender Sean Hoare, meanwhile, is confident that his team-mates have the quality to go to Cyprus and get a result, which would see the Lilywhites through to the third qualifying round, where the County Louth side face either Ajax or Sturm Graz.
"It was a tough game last week. Larnaca are obviously a great side," said Hoare.
"Both sides had a couple of good chances but the important thing was to not concede a goal in Oriel, which gives us a great chance in the second leg.
"Spirits are high in the team. We are in a great run of form at the moment and everybody seems to be at it."
