Barring a remarkable turnaround, Shamrock Rovers' Champions League adventure is set to end on Tuesday, 30 July when they face Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying match.
Last week, Shamrock Rovers put in a valiant display at home against the Czech giants but ultimately fell to a 2-0 defeat. While bigger comebacks than this have been made in the competition over the years, this would truly be one for the history books given the gulf in quality between the two sides.
As part of our latest round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers prediction below.
Contents
- 1 Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: More of the same from Malmo
- 2 Correct score prediction: Sparta Prague 3-0 Shamrock Rovers
- 3 Ki vs Malmo: European history
- 4 Sparta Prague preview: Already thinking about the next round
- 5 Shamrock Rovers preview: Looking to put up a fight
- 6 Player to watch: Veljko Birmancevic
Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: More of the same from Malmo
Key stats
- Sparta Prague beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 away from home last week.
- Shamrock Rovers have won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Six of Sparta Prague's last seven matches have seen more than two goals scored.
- Only two cards were dished out in the first leg between the two sides last week.
Correct score prediction: Sparta Prague 3-0 Shamrock Rovers
In the first leg, Sparta Prague had nine shots on target but only two found the back of the net. Given they are now at home, the number of shots on target is likely to increase and their conversion rate is likely to improve. Shamrock Rovers, meanwhile, are struggling in front of goal and have failed to score in four of their last six matches.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Shamrock Rovers have been written off
- HOME: 2/11 (1.18) – 84.6%
- DRAW: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
- AWAY: 12/1 (13.00) – 7.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers odds indicate that the Irish side could be in for a drubbing on Tuesday night. The hosts have been given an 84.6% chance of victory on the night by the bookmakers while an away win has been given just a 7.7% chance.
For more football predictions, head to our betting tips for today page.
Ki vs Malmo: European history
Sparta Prague have a far richer history than Shamrock Rovers when it comes to competing in Europe. The Czech outfit reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League on several occasions in the 1960s but their last appearance in the full version of the tournament was back in 2005.
Shamrock Rovers, meanwhile, have never made it past this stage of the competition since it became the Champions League in the 1990s.
Sparta Prague preview: Already thinking about the next round
Realistically, Sparta Prague's players and manager will already be wondering about who they will face in the third round of qualifying for the Champions League. They could rest several key players here and still be okay but perhaps a resounding win for the first team would be more beneficial than a rest.
Predicted Lineup: Jensen (GK), Berntsson, Yamere, Faero, Danielsen, Ejupi, Joensen, Kronberg, Odermarksbakken, Klettskard & Frederiksberg
Czechia First League 10/05/25
L
Slavia Prague
2
Sparta Prague
1
Czechia First League 04/05/25
L
FK Jablonec
3
Sparta Prague
1
Czechia First League 27/04/25
L
Viktoria Plzen
2
Sparta Prague
0
Czechia Cup 23/04/25
W
Viktoria Plzen
0
Sparta Prague
1
Czechia First League 19/04/25
W
Pardubice
1
Sparta Prague
2
Shamrock Rovers preview: Looking to put up a fight
Shamrock Rovers have dominated Irish football in recent times but they aren't going to win the Irish Premier Divison this season after a concerning drop off in form. As a result, this could be their last match in the Champions League for some time so they will want to savour every moment.
Predicted Lineup: Jensen (GK), Berntsson, Yamere, Faero, Danielsen, Ejupi, Joensen, Kronberg, Odermarksbakken, Klettskard & Frederiksberg
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
Drogheda United
0
Shamrock Rovers
3
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
W
Sligo Rovers
0
Shamrock Rovers
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
D
Cork City
1
Shamrock Rovers
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
D
Shelbourne
2
Shamrock Rovers
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
L
Bohemians Dublin
3
Shamrock Rovers
2
Player to watch: Veljko Birmancevic

Veljko Birmancevic enjoyed a stellar debut season at Sparta Prague last season, scoring 16 goals in 32 appearances for his new club. Although the new season is still very young, the Serbian forward already looks in good nick once again.
Birmancevic opened the scoring in the first leg last week so Shamrock Rovers will be well aware of his qualities. Whether they have enough ability to stop him remains to be seen.