We have a Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK prediction for you, plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of their huge Champions League qualifier.
Shelbourne are coming into this on the back of overcoming Linfield in the previous round and a comprehensive victory in the FAI Cup last weekend against Fairview Rangers 0-4.
Qarabağ FK are currently in pre-season where they've lost three consecutive matches, though they did come marginally against considerably stronger opposition than Shelbourne.
How To Watch Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK
When is Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK?
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK will take place on Wednesday at 7:45 pm.
TV Channel
Premier Sport
Where is Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Being Played?
Tolka Park
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Shelbourne | 15/4 | 21.1% |
Qarabağ FK | 6/10 | 62.5% |
Draw | 14/5 | 26.3% |
Shelbourne are outsiders with odds of 15/4 per the latest football odds at BoyleSports.
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Qarabağ FK are currently priced as 6/10 to favourite while the draw is an 11/5 shot.
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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Handicap Betting
Shelbourne: +1 - 5/4
Qarabağ FK -1 @ 17/10
Handicap Draw -1 @ 5/2
Bet on Football Odds at BoyleSports
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Preview
Shelbourne’s Form
2025 has been a year of change for the reigning Premier Division Champions, who overcame the odds last season to win their first league title since their most recent success back in 2006. However, this time around their season has been less than stellar, which ultimately coincided with enigmatic figure Damien Duff walking away from the club and him being replaced by his former right-hand man, Joey O’Brien. While the Duff Cult of Personality is now over, O’Brien brings a different approach to the media while retaining plenty of experience from his work as Duff’s assistant.
Since the official appointment of Joey O’Brien as the new Shelbourne Manager, they’ve looked like they’re getting back to their best form from last season. They comfortably defeated Cork City 3-1 before their opening tie in Europe, where in an All Island affair against Linfield, they were unlucky not to score more than their sole goal in their 1-0 first leg triumph. They then played out a strange but comfortable 1-1 draw with Linfield to book their place in this round and at the weekend got their FAI Cup campaign off to a comfortable start with a 0-4 win over Fairview Rangers.
Shelbourne are certainly up against it for this tie, but their improvement in form these last few weeks will have them in a confident place ahead of the first leg. Last season, their success was built on being well-drilled, disciplined and one of the fittest sides in Ireland. If they can harness that, they could take advantage of a Qarabag side still in pre-season.
Shelbourne’s Last Five Results
Fairview Rangers 0-4 Shelbourne | July 19th | Win
Linfield 1-1 Shelbourne | July 16th | Draw
Shelbourne1-0 Linfield | July 9th | Win
Shelbourne 3-1 Cork City | July 4th | Win
Galway United 1-1 Shelbourne | June 27th | Draw
3 Wins and 2 Draws
Qarabağ FK’s Form
Qarabağ FK are the dominant force in Azerbaijan Domestic Football, securing their 12th title in the 2024-25 season and their fourth consecutive championship. They have a strong European pedigree, consistently qualifying for UEFA competitions, including ten consecutive group stage appearances, with notable achievements like reaching the Europa League round of 16 in 2023-24. However, they ended the 24/25 season in poor form, which they have taken into pre-season so far.
Per popular football site Transfermarkt, the Qarabağ FK squad is valued at roughly €24.15M compared to Shelbourne with a paltry €3.8M. It blends experience and youth, excelling in tiki-taka football under Gurban Gurbanov. Key players include Brazilian striker Juninho Vieira and Algerian midfielder Yassine Benzia, with around 10-12 internationals.
While they had a strong 24/25 season, they ended it disappointingly, losing in the Azerbaijan Cup Final 2-3 against Sabah. Though they’ve lost three consecutive games since returning for pre-season. It should be noted that it’s been by a sole goal each time against considerably stronger opposition, Twente and RB Salzburg.
Qarabağ FK’s Last Five Results
RB Salzburg 2-1 Qarabağ | July 15th | Loss
Twente 2-1 Qarabağ FK | July 11th | Loss
Twente 2-3 Qarabağ FK | July 11th | Loss
Qarabağ FK 2-3 Sabah | May 31st | Loss
Shamakhi FK 0-1 Qarabağ FK | May 24th | Wins
1 Win and 4 Losses
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Predicted Lineups
Shelbourne Predicted Starting XI (5-2-3)
GK: Speel
RB: Coyle RCB: Caffrey, CB: Ledwidge, LCB: Barrett, LB: Norris
CM: Lunney, CM: McInroy.
RW: Wood, CF: Odubeko, LW: Coote
Qarabağ FK Predicted Starting XI( 4-2-3-1)
GK: Mahammadaliyev
RB: Bayramov, CB: Mustafazada, CB: Silva, LB: Bolt
CM: Bicalho, CM: Jankovic
RW: Zoubir, AM: Borges, LW: Andrade
CF: Akhundzade
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Head-To-Head Results & Stats
This will be a first-time meeting between both sides.
Key Players To Watch
Mipo Odubeko – Shelbourne
Former Ireland U21 Odubeko (22) returned to the island last December in a relatively high-profile move into the LOI following spells in Man United, West Ham academies a gluttony of unsuccessful loans He returned with a point to prove and reputation to get back and while he has 8 goals and 1 assist in 27 games so far in 2025 get the impression there’s more to come from him.
Odubeko has unbelievable pace, is athletic and tactically astute. It’s only a matter of time before he starts replicating his explosive goal-scoring record from youth level.
Nariman Akhundzada - Qarabağ FK
The primary threat for Qarabağ FK on Wednesday Night will likely be the 21-year-old Azerbaijani right winger who made his debut for the club after coming through the academy in 2022.
Known for his pace, technical ability, and left-footed flair, Akhundzade excels in dribbling past defenders and delivering precise crosses, fitting Qarabağ’s tiki-taka style with short passes and fluid movement. His performances have drawn interest from clubs across Europe.
Shelbourne v Qarabağ FK Prediction & Best Bet
Prediction: Shelbourne 0-1 Qarabağ FK
Shelbourne are up against it in this tie, but that’s something I think they can play into, and I’m certain they will make it difficult for their opposition.
Qarabağ FK will be expected to get through the tie given their considerably larger pedigree at this level, but will need to manage their fitness levels and stay sharp across both legs.
I think the away side may just edge it, but I don’t think there will be many goals.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Total Goals – 10/11
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Bet on Football Odds at BoyleSports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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