It's a historic week in Europe for Irish clubs as two teams bid to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Shelbourne began their European season by beating Linfield in a tense Champions League first round qualifying tie.
It finished 2-1 on aggregate with a red card for the home side in the return leg at Windsor Park among the key moments.
From there the Reds were beaten by Qarabag in the second round, who look set to qualify for the Champions League outright, and then dropped down to take on Croatia side Riejka in the Europa League.
Despite an away victory, Joey O'Brien's side fell short in the return match, losing 3-1.
All the while Linfield were plotting their route back to this juncture. They overcame opposition from Lithuania and the Faroe Islands to do so.
The draw has remarkably paired the two Irish sides and again they will face off for qualification.
Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers are in the same position as Shels.
The Hoops began life in the second round of the Conference and defeated St Joseph's and Ballkani.
They face a real step up against Santa Clara of Portugal with the first tie away from home.
Linfield v Shelbourne is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Coverage begins at 7.30pm.
Santa Clara v Shamrock Rovers is live on LOI TV (PPV).
ONLINE
You can follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
THE PRIZE
The winner of the ties will be through to the Conference League where the likes of Fiorentina, Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace could await.
With the new format introduced last year, six matches are to be played played between September and Christmas.
Shels have already claimed €1.7m in prize money from their Champions League win. Qualification for the league phase of the Conference would add another €2m.
Shamrock Rovers have just under €1m to their name for their run so far. After banking €7m from last year's competition, another progression to the league phase would cement their status as the best-resourced club in the country.
THE REMATCH
Cynics would say you often see repeats on RTÉ2. This is definitely one of the best.
Six weeks ago Shels faced Linfield at Tolka Park in a match where the Reds looked superior in terms of physicality, fitness and ability.
The Blues were out of season and early in their preparations for the Premiership. It undoubtedly played a factor in the first meeting of the two sides.
O'Brien's team were expected to do enough in the second leg, yet it didn't come easy. A shaky display by goalkeeper Conor Kearns and an injury only added to the nerves.
Ali Coote's goal added to the advantage of the Premier Division side, but when Chris Shields converted a penalty, the momentum was definitely with the Belfast outfit.
A red card for Ben Hall red card settled matters, as a tiring Linfield side wilted with 10 men.
The defining image of the tie, Paddy Barrett holding the tricolour aloft, was certainly hurtful to the Northern fans.
There is so much at stake with a winter of European matches and the riches that come with it. Arguably, the pride is just as important.
With a league match under the belts, striker Kieran Offord scoring a hat-trick domestically and a brilliant goal against Vikingur, they may be a different prospect this time around.
TOUGHER TASK FOR SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers play in the Azores against Portuguese side Santa Clara.
In a facing a team from one of the top leagues in the world, it would appear a difficult night awaits.
There are however a few green shoots. Santa Clara were only promoted to the top flight two seasons ago and to finish fifth on their return to the Primeira Liga.
It is just their second season in Europe and they have lost their only two league matches so far this season.
While the likes of Benfica and Porto would be an impossible task, this tie may not be beyond Shamrock Rovers.
It's crucial they bring it back to Tallaght with still a chance of progression.
Around 120 Hoops fans will be present in the 12,500-seat Estadio de Sao Miguel.
Santa Clare have a squad of majority Brazilian and home-based players. They reached this stage by beating Larne in the last round, 3-0 in Inver Park and a scoreless draw at home.
TEAM NEWS
Goalkeeper Conor Kearns is ruled out with injury for Shelbourne. Tyreke Wilson and Seán Boyd are about to return and could feature in the tie. New signing Jack Henry-Francis is also back in training.
Connor Malley is the only absentee for Shamrock Rovers. Jack Byrne continues to be left out of the squad.
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Watch Shelbourne v Linfield in the Conference League play-off round on Thursday from 7.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on this game and Santa Clara v Shamrock Rovers on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
