HNK Rijeka vs Shelbourne Dublin Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 04/08/2025, 13:45  by Devesh Jaganath in Europa League Predictions

On Wednesday, we head to the Stadion, where HNK Rijeka will take on Shelbourne Dublin in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The winner of this tie between the Whites and the Reds will take on either PAOK FC or Wolfsberg in the Playoff round. Check out our match prediction below. 

The 2024-25 season was a memorable one for Rijeka as they managed to return to the top of the Croatian Football League, edging Dinamo Zagreb, thanks to a better head-to-head record. 

Unfortunately for the Whites, their Champions League campaign ended at the first hurdle, losing 3-1 to Ludogorets on aggregate after holding them to a goalless draw in the first leg.

However, the hosts did make a positive start to their domestic league season, beating Slaven 2-0 this past weekend, with teenager Simun Butic picking up a goal and an assist in the victory. 

Meanwhile, Shelbourne won their first League of Ireland title in almost two decades last year and brought an end to Shamrock Rovers' four-year stint as league champions. 

The Reds beat Linfield 2-1 on aggregate in their UCL first qualifying round. They struggled with the step-up in class of opposition in the second round, losing to Qarabag 4-0 on aggregate.

Notably, the visitors are having a much tougher league season this year, trailing the current league leaders by 14 points, though they are unbeaten in their last five away league games (W2 D3 L0).