Ararat-Armenia vs Shamrock Rovers Preview
Ararat-Armenia have been hard to beat at home lately and Shamrock Rovers have struggled for momentum on the road. A cagey Champions League Qualifier first-leg is anticipated.
Key Stats - Ararat-Armenia Draw at Home
- Ararat-Armenia have drawn 1-1 in 2 of their last 3 home games.
- Shamrock Rovers are winless in 13 of their last 19 away matches.
H2H - First Encounter
This will be the first-ever meeting between Ararat-Armenia and Shamrock Rovers.
Ararat-Armenia Competitive at Home
Ararat-Armenia don’t lose many games and the White Eagles are undefeated in 16 of their previous 19 fixtures. Tulipa’s side are unbeaten in five of their last six games and haven’t lost at home in four matches.
The Areminan outfit ended last season with a 1-0 home win against FC Gandzasar. Ararat also drew 1-1 at home in their two pre-season friendlies against Mura and Vojvodina.
The White Eagles started their Champions League Qualification campaign with a 2-0 home win over Riga FC. They controlled the game with 18 shots and 54% possession.
Ararat progressed to the next round of the Champions League Qualifiers despite a 3-2 loss at Riga. Tulipa’s team were 2-0 down before Zhirayr Shaghoyan and Sandro Lima levelled and Riga struck a late winner.
Shamrock Rovers Lacking Rhythm on the Road
Irish side Shamrock Rovers have been tough to beat recently, losing just twice in their last 11 matches. Both of the Hoops’ recent defeats have come on the road.
Stephen Bradley’s team were unbeaten in five, winning four, before losing their Champions League Qualifier 2-0 at Floriana. Rovers responded with a 5-1 win at home in the second leg.
Shamrock’s inconsistent recent form continued after a 1-1 FAI Cup draw against Cork City. Naj Razi scored first and Cork levelled before Rovers scored three in extra time to win 4-1.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Ararat-Armenia (4-3-3): Joao Donna Bravim; Julio Junior, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Edgar Grigoryan, Valdez Wilson; Karen Muradyan, Tera Luheni Alwyn, Hugo da Silva Oliveira; Zhirayr Shaghoyan, Artur Serobyan, Sandro Lima
Midfielder Balanta Junior is unavailable with a long-term injury.
Shamrock Rovers (3-5-2): Ed McGinty; Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Cory O'Sullivan; Jake Mulraney, Dylan Watts, John O'Sullivan, Jack Byrne, Adam Brennan; John McGovern, Graham Burke
Attacker Danny Grant and midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna are ruled out.
Striker Rory Gaffney is also sidelined following an achilles injury.