Irish heavyweights Shamrock Rovers face the real possibility of falling short of last season's European heroics as they prepare for a decisive clash with a well-matched Ballkani side this week.
The Dublin club, who reached the knockout playoff round of the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, were tipped to make another deep run. However, a dip in domestic form over the past year has left them walking a tightrope in this qualifier.
In the first leg of this third-round tie, Ballkani narrowly edged out Rovers 1-0 at Pristina City Stadium in Kosovo’s capital, with Sunday Adetunji striking the winner just before the hour mark.
Back at Tallaght Stadium, Rovers will be banking on home support to spark a comeback. Still, with the tie delicately balanced, fans should brace for a cagey, high-stakes battle where every pass and tackle could prove decisive.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Shamrock Rovers vs Ballkani online - TV channels & live streams
| Country | TV channel / live stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom (UK) | LOITV |
| Republic of Ireland | LOITV |
| International | Bet365 |
In the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland, the Conference League qualifier between Shamrock Rovers and Ballkani will be available to watch and stream live on LOITV.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Shamrock Rovers vs Ballkani kick-off time
The match will be played at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, August 14, with kick-off at 3:00 pm ET or 8:00 pm BST.
Team news & squads
Shamrock Rovers vs Ballkani lineups
3-5-2
Formation
4-3-3
BALSHA-Line up
SHASubstitutes
Manager
S. Bradley
BAL-Line up
BALSubstitutes
Manager
O. Shehi
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Shamrock Rovers team news
Shamrock Rovers will once again be without midfield engine Aaron McEneff, who has been sidelined for the past two outings through injury. There's also a race against time for forward Graham Burke, who has missed the last three competitive fixtures but remains hopeful of shaking off his knock in time for Thursday's showdown.
After rotating his squad at the weekend, boss Stephen Bradley could revert to a stronger lineup, with Josh Honohan, Daniel Mandroiu, Dylan Watts, Daniel Grant, and Rory Gaffney all pushing for recalls.
Ballkani team news
On the other side, Ballkani face a potential defensive reshuffle, with Ivica Batarelo a doubt after limping off during the first half of the home leg. Should he fail to recover, Bajram Jashanica is expected to slot in alongside Gentrit Halili at the heart of defence.
Leading the line will be the in-form Sunday Adejunji, who has been a thorn in every opponent's side so far, netting four times in Ballkani's opening three European games of the 2025-26 campaign.
Form
SHA-Form
SHAGalway United FC
0
-
0
Shamrock Rovers
D
Ballkani
1
-
0
Shamrock Rovers
L
Shamrock Rovers
2
-
0
Derry City
W
Shamrock Rovers
0
-
0
St Joseph's
D
St Joseph's
0
-
4
Shamrock Rovers
W
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 6/1
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 1/5
- Both teams scored
- 0/5
BAL-Form
BALBallkani
1
-
0
Shamrock Rovers
W
Floriana
1
-
1
Ballkani
D
Ballkani
4
-
2
Floriana
W
Suhareka
2
-
2
Ballkani
D
Ballkani
0
-
1
Llapi
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 8/6
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
Head-to-Head Record
SHALast match
BAL