Preview: Hibernians vs. Shamrock Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, meanwhile, will be looking to utilise home advantage as they try to turn around a three-goal deficit.

Match preview

Hibernians are aiming to reach the second round of Champions League qualifying for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

However, if they are to progress to the next round then the Maltese champions must stage a remarkable comeback after losing 3-0 in Ireland last week.

After winning 13 of their previous 14 competitive home matches, Hibernians will look to draw upon their recent home form with a sizeable win required on Tuesday.

Although, five wins in their previous six European home games will not offer too much encouragement ahead of Tuesday's contest.

If Hibernians are unable to mount a comeback in the second leg then they will have to settle for a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers will believe they had completed the hard yards in their quest to progress to the second round after claiming a 3-0 home win in the first leg.

Ronan Finn opened the scoring for the Irish champions last week before Dylan Watts doubled the advantage just before half time.

Shamrock Rovers ensured they would take a three-goal lead to Malta after Rory Gaffney found the net in the 78th minute, wrapping up a four-straight competitive win.

Tuesday's visitors have not lost a match by a three-goal margin since a 5-2 league defeat to Dundalk in June 2018, which will offer encouragement ahead of the second leg.

If Shamrock Rovers manage to see the job through then they will face either Ludogorets Razgrad or Sutjeska in the second round of qualifying.

Hibernians Champions League form:

Shamrock Rovers Champions League form:

Shamrock Rovers form (all competitions):

Team News

After making a late substitute appearance in the first leg Lorenzo Fonseca could come into the Hibernians side for Tuesday's contest.

Terence Groothusen came off the bench at half time in Ireland, and the forward is in contention to be given a starting place for the second leg.

With goals needed, Hibernians will be looking towards Justin Degabriele who top-scored for his club in the Maltese Premier League last season.

As for Shamrock Rovers, they are not expected to make too many changes to the side after claiming a comfortable 3-0 victory in the first leg.

After returning from injury to make substitute appearances in Shamrock Rovers' last two games, Richie Towell could come into the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest.

Gaffney will continue in the frontline and the 32-year-old will be looking to score in a third consecutive game.

Hibernians possible starting lineup:

Kone; Grech, Llerena, Soares, Izquier; Vella, Fonseca, Diakite; Thaylor, Degabriele, Groothusen

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mannus; Hoare, Lopes, Grace; Finn, Watts, O'Neill, McCann, Lyons; Gaffney, Greene

We say: Hibernians 1-2 Shamrock Rovers

Previews by email