Rosenborg will provide a tough test for Dundalk

Dundalk v Rosenborg
RTE2, 7.45pm Wednesday

Dundalk's indifferent early-season form means they have a huge task to overhaul League of Ireland leaders Cork, but their return to Champions League action against Rosenborg will bring back good memories from last year's Europa League group stage.

They have shown their defensive qualities in keeping nine clean sheets in their last ten LoI outings - the exception was a 3-0 defeat to the champions-elect - but they have a huge task to establish a first-leg advantage against the Norwegians.

Like Dundalk, Rosenborg have enough competitive games under their belt in recent weeks to ensure they are not just warming up for a new campaign, and they have suffered just two defeats in their last 17 outings.

Their forward line looks set to be led by former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and while the 29-year-old looks to be on the downgrade, he should represent a step up in class to the opposition Dundalk are used to facing.

So their resolute defence is likely to be tested and with the Irish outfit likely to go on the front foot, over 2.5 goals could be a decent bet at 23-20.

There are few Champions League games that look competitive on the rest of the coupon, but there should be a keenly fought battle in Bosnia where Zrinjski play Slovenians Maribor.

The visitors won just one of their final seven away games last season, but they have scored in 18 of their last 20 league matches, so both teams could notch in what looks an evenly matched contest.

Recommendations
Over 2.5 goals in Dundalk v Rosenborg
2pts 23-20 bet365, BoyleSports, Coral
Both teams to score in Zrinjski v Maribor
1pt Evs general

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