Shelbourne vs Rijeka Prediction & Betting Tips (12 August)

Shelbourne’s Europa League campaign has taken a dramatic turn following their stunning 2-1 away victory over Croatian champions Rijeka in the third qualifying round. Manager Joey O’Brien’s side showed grit and tactical discipline, overturning a second-half deficit with goals from Sam Bone and substitute John Martin. The win marks a historic moment for the Dublin club, who had previously stumbled against Qarabag in the Champions League qualifiers. With goalkeeper Wessel Speel making crucial saves and Kerr McInroy orchestrating midfield transitions, Shelbourne now return to Tolka Park with a slender advantage and a real shot at reaching the play-off round.

Rijeka, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after a disappointing home defeat that exposed their vulnerability without suspended playmakers Gabrijel Rukavina and Toni Fruk. Despite dominating possession and earning a penalty converted by Niko Jankovic, the Croatian side failed to maintain control, conceding twice in a 15-minute spell. Head coach Radomir Dalovic will be under pressure to recalibrate his squad for the second leg, possibly reinstating Duje Cop and Luka Menalo to inject attacking urgency. Rijeka’s recent domestic form, including a late win over Slaven Belupo, suggests resilience, but their European hopes now hang by a thread.

The tactical chess match in Dublin promises to be intense. Shelbourne are expected to stick with their compact 5-3-2 formation, banking on the aerial threat of Martin and the creativity of Harry Wood. Injuries to Milan Mbeng and Sean Boyd may force O’Brien to shuffle his backline, with Sean Gannon likely to start. Rijeka, on the other hand, will need to be more clinical, especially with the return of Fruk potentially adding spark to their midfield. The visitors must also tighten their defensive shape, having been caught out by Shelbourne’s set-piece routines and wide overloads.

While bookmakers lean toward Rijeka’s pedigree, the momentum is clearly with Shelbourne. The Irish side’s tenacity and home advantage could prove decisive. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Shelbourne feels not just plausible but poetic—a mirror of their first-leg triumph and a statement of intent. Should they replicate that result, Shelbourne would not only advance but also cement their place among Europe’s emerging underdogs.