Linfield could face European rematch with Shelbourne

Linfield, the Irish Premiership champion, may face Shelbourne in a subsequent match for a spot in the group stages of the Uefa Conference League.

In the third qualifying round, the Blues take on Croatia’s Vikingur, with the winners facing either the League of Ireland champions or Croatia’s HNK Rijeka.

There is a real chance that Shelbourne’s Champions League qualifier, which ended up winning 2-1 on aggregate, will come back.

Linfield received a partial stadium ban, suspended for two years, and fines of €10, 000 (£8, 727) for the “racist and/or discriminatory behavior of its supporters” following the second leg of that game at Windsor Park.

Shelbourne lost 4-0 on aggregate to Qarabag in the Europa League qualifying match, while David Healy’s side defeated Lithuanian champions Zalgiris 2-0 at Windsor Park to advance to the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

If the Dublin side defeats their Croatian foes, they will be guaranteed a place in the Conference League group stage at worst, along with a play-off for a place in the Europa League against either Greek side PAOK or Austria’s Wolfsberger.

However, if they lose to HNK Rijeka, Linfield or Vikingur will have to play in the Conference League play-off.

Should Larne defeat Portugal’s CD Santa Clara, they could have a meeting with the League of Ireland’s opposition.