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Zurich host Shelbourne at the Letzigrund on Thursday for the first leg of their clash in the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round. Two years after their appearance in the group stages of the Europa League, Zurich are back in contention for European football.
The FCZ came fourth in the 2023-24 Swiss Super League season, which paved their way to this stage. But it's worth noting that Zurich will be playing in the qualifiers of the Conference League for the first time, giving them a chance to make their debut in the tournament.
Ricardo Moniz's side were in action last weekend against Yverdon in their opening game of the new league season, eking out a 2-0 victory away from home. Juan Perea and Umeh Emmanuel struck apiece in the second half to give Zurich a winning start to their 2024-25 season, as they warmed up for the European qualifiers in the perfect way.
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On the other hand, Shelbourne reached these qualifiers after ousting Gibraltar's St Joseph's 3-2 on aggregate in the first qualifying round. The Irish side won the first leg 2-1 at home before a 1-1 draw away.
After an absence of 18 years, the Reds are back in Europe, thanks to a fourth-place finish in the 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division. Their last appearance in a European club tournament was the 2006 Intertoto Cup, where they bowed out in the second round.
Zurich vs Shelbourne Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides meet for the first time in history.
- Zurich have faced an Irish side just once in their history. They played Dundalk in the first round of the 1963-64 European Cup, losing the first leg at home 2-1 before a 3-0 victory in the return.
- Zurich are unbeaten in their last three European qualifiers at home, drawing once and winning twice.
- Shelbourne have won just two of their last 13 away games in Europe, including qualifiers.
Zurich vs Shelbourne Prediction
Zurich are the stronger side on paper, given their superior quality and experience in Europe.
They also have the home advantage here, and will be confident of their chances against a relatively inexperienced Shelbourne side who are making a European return after 18 years.
Prediction: FC Zurich 2-0 Shelbourne
Zurich vs Shelbourne Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: FC Zurich to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
