Shamrock Rovers vs Ararat-Armenia predictions: Goals on the cards in Rovers' Champions League fight
Warren Ashurst
Ararat won the first leg 2-0 in Armenia
Shamrock are unbeaten in their last six home matches
Recommended bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 19/10
Shamrock Rovers will need to overturn a two-goal deficit when they host Ararat, if they are to keep alive their dream of qualifying for the Champions League.
The League of Ireland outfit conceded two second-half goals in the first leg to leave them with an uphill task on Tuesday.
Stephen Bradley’s men will take heart though from recent European home performances, where the goals have flowed for Rovers.
A 5-1 home success in the last round saw them progress, as they now look to reach the third qualifying round for the first time since 2011-12.
The latest Shamrock Rovers vs Ararat-Armenia odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
Bradley is expected to stick with the regular 3-5-2 formation for the second-leg tie, but could make a couple of tweaks to personnel.
The Shamrock boss made three changes midway through the second half in Armenia, with all three substitutes hoping they did enough to earn a start.
Former Celtic striker Jonathan Afolabi and ex-Hearts midfielder Jake Mulraney are amongst those that could be handed a place in the starting XI.
Ararat coach Tulipa could make a change to their midfield three, with Guinea-Bissau international Zidane Banjaqui scoring in the first leg after coming on as a sub.
The latest Shamrock Rovers vs Ararat-Armenia odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
The stats
Shamrock were 2-0 down after the first leg in the last round and won the reverse fixture 5-1 against Floriana to progress.
Rovers have only ever reached the Champions League third qualifying round on one previous occasion.
Shamrock had four attempts on goal in the first leg, with two of those on target.
Ararat committed nine fouls to Shamrock’s six in the first game in Armenia.
Tuesday's visitors have four Brazilian players and three Portuguese players in their squad.
The latest Shamrock Rovers vs Ararat-Armenia odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
Shamrock have no other alternative but to go for it from minute one, as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit.
Bradley’s men will be frustrated with the way they conceded two second-half goals in Yerevan, but their home form will give Rovers hope.
The Irish outfit have scored seven goals in their last two matches on home soil — a 5-1 win over Floriana and a 4-1 victory over Cork City in the FAI Cup.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last six matches at the Tallaght Stadium, which includes a 1-0 friendly win over Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
There have also been plenty of goals in Ararat’s last couple of away games, including the second leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie.
Having been 2-0 up from the home match, the Armenian side lost 3-2 to Riga but went through 4-3 on aggregate.
Their last domestic away game also saw five goals, with Ararat winning 3-2 at BKMA back in mid-May.
Score prediction: Shamrock Rovers 4-2 Ararat
