The UEFA Champions and Europa League First and Second Qualifying Rounds draws take place tomorrow, with 4 Irish sides; Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, St. Patrick's Athletic and Cork City watching intently. We have taken a look at the best and worse case scenarios for our representatives in the European draw.
Dundalk
The Lilywhites will be hoping to avoid giants such as Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and the side who knocked them out last year; Bate Borisov in their quest to progress to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Getting through this one round would guarantee an extra two European ties.
Best Case Scenario:
Qarabağ FK (Azerbaijan)
Arguably the side from the weakest league in the seeded pot, Dundalk would fancy their chances of progression.
Worst Case Scenario:
Apoel FC (Cyprus)
Not necessarily the strongest team they could draw, but these group stage regulars wouldn't posses the ticket-selling ability of a Celtic or Legia Warsaw and would likely have the quality to overturn Stephen Kenny's side.
Shamrock Rovers
Pat Fenlon's men have had a stop-start first-half of the season, which has included a 4-0 derby win alongside a host of poor performances including away losses to Wexford Youths and Derry City and comprehensive defeats at the hands of St. Pat's and Dundalk. They will welcome the European campaign and will be confident to make it past round one, as they did last year.
Best Case Scenario:
Cliftonville (Northern Ireland)
These sides have a good relationship, but Rovers would be confident of progressing. Their famously disappointing 2012 side managed to defeat the Solitude outfit and their most recent meeting in a 2014 friendly saw the hoops run out 3-1 winners. Easy travel for the fans too.
Worst Case Scenario:
Ordabasy (Kazakhstan)
The highest-ranking unseeded team in the UEFA Club co-efficient ranking, Kazakhstan would be a rotten trip for players and fans alike to have to make.
St. Patrick's Athletic
Liam Buckley's men have struggled massively this season, with a series of poor results in the league culminating in a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of fellow under-performers Bohemians. Maybe a European run will re-invigorate the Richmond Park side?
Best Case Scenario:
Connah's Quay Nomads (Wales)
The lowest-ranked team in this year's tournament, Pats would be very disappointed to lose out to these European debutants.
Worst Case Scenario:
Ordabasy (Kazakhstan)
Same as Rovers, just a terrible trip to make and a tough side to beat as well.
Cork City
John Caulfield appears to have found his winning formula this season and his troops have looked unplayable at times this season. Dundalk won't find this title race as easy as last year. Huge momentum for the rebels and whoever they play are guaranteed to have a tough time in front of the famously loud Turner's Cross crowd.
Best Case Scenario:
FC Zimbru Chișinău (Moldova)
A relatively low-ranked side and by all accounts a brilliant away trip for the fans. This would be ideal for City.
Worst Case Scenario:
Midtjylland (Denmark)
They beat Manchester United this year in the Europa League Round of 32. Should have the better of Cork City should they be drawn together.
The draws can be seen live on UEFA.com from 11 AM tomorrow.
