Dundalk v KI Klaksvik: Time, channel, team news

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Dundalk V Ki Klaksvik: Time, Channel, Team News
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James Cox
Dundalk take on Faroese side KI Klaksvik in a Europa League play-off game tonight and a victory would be massive for the League of Ireland champions.

Here's everything you need to know about the big game.

What's at stake?

The winners progress to the group stages of the Europa League. The tie will be settled on the night, with extra-time and penalties if required. The game takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

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Reaching the group stages of Europe's second competition would be absolutely massive for Dundalk and could result in a cash injection of around €3 million.

What time is kick-off and what channel is it on?

Coverage starts on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player from 7pm ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.

Who have Dundalk faced so far?

Manager Vinny Perth was sacked after the Lilywhites lost to Slovenian champions NK Celje in the Champions League first qualifying round.

They started their Europa League qualification campaign with a victory over Inter d'Escaldes of Andorra before a penalty shootout victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova.

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Who are their opponents?

KI Klaksvik, champions of the Faroe Island, will see this is a massive opportunity just as Dundalk will.

This is the furthest a side from the Faroes has ever come in Europe.

They were huge underdogs going into their clash against Dinamo Tbilisi but pulled off a shock 6-1 victory, so they will be full of confidence coming to Dublin.

Team news

Dundalk rested players in a 4-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at the weekend.

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While this was painful for supporters, it means manager Filippo Giovagnoli has a nearly full strength squad to choose from.

Chris Shields is suspended, Sean Gannon is a doubt with an ankle issue and Dane Massey has been ruled out after hip surgery. Other than that trio, every other player is fit and available.

Odds

Dundalk: 1/2

Draw (in 90 minutes): 13/5

KI Klaksvik: 15/4

What does the manager say?

Dundalk head coach Filippo Giovagnoli has urged his team to make history.

"Ki are a dangerous team. They don't need control of the game and don't need possession. They play a certain way and we have prepared for that. I am sure that we are going to perform to a high level.

"The focus is on the club and it presents us with an amazing opportunity. It's about the club and the players and what can happen. It's for the entire football nation in Ireland. It's important for everybody.

"This game is a final. You can say so many things but this is a final. When you are in a final, you deserve to be there, it is important to them and important to us. We are here now and we want to get to the group stages."

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