Shelbourne v Linfield: All you need to know ahead of the Champions League qualifier

Michael Bolton

It is an All-Ireland Champions League qualifier in Tolka Park, as Shelbourne take on Linfield in the first round of qualifying.

The League of Ireland champions are back in the big time, and a win in this tie would give them a huge boost to reach the group stages of European football.

In a difficult season so far, Shelbourne are 14 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, and were rocked by the resignation of manager Damien Duff.

However, in what will be a special moment for the club, the boost of European football has the potential to turn their season around.

For Linfield, they qualified by winning the Irish Premiership by over 20 points, ahead of Larne in second place, who Shamrock Rovers defeated in the Conference League last season.

In what should be a great night for Irish football, here is all you need to know ahead of Wednesday night's first leg.

When is Shelbourne v Linfield?

Shelbourne v Linfield kicks off at 7:45pm.

How can I watch the game?

Liver coverage will be shwon by RTÉ Two.

Form guide

In Joey O'Brien's first game in permanent charge of the club, Shelbourne were comfortable 3-1 winners over Cork City, in what was their first win in five games.

This will be Linfield's first game of the season, having not played in three months since their season ended.

There is huge financial implications for this tie, with the winner earning €4 million for progression to the second qualifying round