Karpaty Lviv V St Patrick's Athletic

  • Thu, Jul 28, 2011 @ 9:30

Compared with the long journey to Kazakhstan in the last round, St Pat's have had little difficulty reaching Lviv, although they may have some difficulty at the Ukrayina Stadium.

Karpaty reached the groups stages of the competition last year when they were paired with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla.

Pete Mahon has managed to watch some DVDs of Karpaty in action and is no doubt about the quality of the opposition.

"The side we're facing are not very well known at home, but they have a quality team and are a big step up from the previous rounds," said Mahon.

"That's what happens though when you progress in Europe and it's probably the reason why no Irish team has made the breakthrough yet.

"We're hoping to do that but it will be a massive task for us.

"We've seen a few DVDs and we have a fair idea how they set themselves up. In comparison to Kazakhstan, we're well advanced in terms of preparation."

St Pat's are without skipper Stephen Bradley and Daryl Kavanagh, who both miss out through suspension.

Evan McMillan and Brian Shortall are set to return to the starting line-up after sitting out Saturday's 0-0 draw at Sligo.

Karpaty's poor start to the domestic season (one point from three games) gives St Pat's some hope that they can keep the tie alive for the return leg in Tallaght.


Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
Team Pld Pts
Shelbourne616
Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
Shamrock Rovers56
St Patrick's Athletic66
Drogheda United54
Dundalk52