Shamrock Rovers are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, a shape that gives them solidity in the middle and width in attack. The double pivot will sit deep, screening the back four and forcing KuPS to play around them rather than through them. The full-backs will push on when they can, but the real threat comes from the half-space runners — the number ten and the wide men drifting inside to link with the lone striker. It’s a system built for European nights: patient, compact, and lethal on the break. Expect them to cede possession early, let KuPS have the ball in harmless areas, then spring forward with purpose.

KuPS, meanwhile, are predicted to stick with their 4-3-3, a shape that gives them numbers in midfield but can leave them exposed in transition. Their midfield trio will look to dominate possession, but against a Shamrock side that presses in packs, they’ll struggle to find rhythm. The wide forwards will try to isolate Shamrock’s full-backs, but the Irish side’s defensive discipline should snuff out those threats. Set pieces could be a factor — Shamrock are dangerous from dead balls, and KuPS have shown vulnerability defending corners and free-kicks. The game state is clear: Shamrock will sit in, absorb pressure, and look to nick a goal on the counter or from a set piece. KuPS will have the ball but won’t know what to do with it.