Linfield set for an-island return battle with Shelbourne, while Larne could face Shamrock Rovers
For the former to happen the Blues must defeat Vikingur from the Faroe Islands in the third qualifying round of the Conference League and Shelbourne have to lose their upcoming Europa League tie against Croatian side Rijeka with the first legs of both those ties taking place this week.
In July, Shelbourne and Linfield went head to head in the Champions League with the League of Ireland side coming out on top 2-1 on aggregate.
David Healy's side lost 1-0 in Dublin in the first leg and although they had chances in the return at Windsor Park, they drew 1-1 meaning they exited the competition and dropped down to the Conference League.
After the match at Windsor, Linfield were fined €10,000 by UEFA for the "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters" and €2,000 for the lighting of fireworks at the game. The Blues were also handed a partial stadium ban, which is suspended for two years.
Should Linfield and Shelbourne end up meeting again in a Conference League Play-off the prize money on offer to reach the group stages will be enormous.
If all that isn't enough if Larne overcome Santa Clara from Portugal in the third qualifying round, they will face either Shamrock Rovers or FC Ballkani in the Play-off round of the Conference League.
Last season in the group stages Rovers defeated Larne 4-1 at Windsor Park.
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Daily Record
13 minutes ago
- Daily Record
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13 minutes ago
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