Linfield vs Shelbourne prediction 16.07.2025 | Champions League qualification

• Competition: Champions League qualification
• Date: Wednesday, 16th July 2025
• Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20:45 CEST
• Venue: Windsor Park (Belfast)

The Champions League qualifications are of great importance for any team. Linfield and Shelbourne probably can't imagine themself in the most elite European competition, but progressing to the next phase of qualifications would mean a lot for their realistic goal - place in the Conference League group phase. After the first leg and a 1-0 victory, Shelbourne will have the advantage to progress to the next phase. 

Linfield played only four matches this summer. The only two wins came in friendlies against Haverfordwest and Newbuildings. In the Charity Shield, Linfield lost after penalties against Dungannon. The final game came on Wednesday in Dublin against Shelbourne. Linfield in all matches showed a solid level of defense, but in the two strongest tests, they had obvious attacking weaknesses, and that is something to improve in the coming weeks. 

Shelbourne are far from the level of last year when they won their 14th Premier Division title. After 25 rounds in the 2025 season, Shelbourne are fifth with 14 points fewer than the league leader, Shamrock Rovers. However, Joey O'Brien's team are playing slightly better lately, as they are unbeaten in their last four matches in a row.

Linfield vs Shelbourne pick: Under 2.5 goals

Both teams have a solid defense. Linfield allowed only two goals in four matches, including friendlies. On the other hand, Shelbourne conceded five goals in the previous six games. After 1-0 in the first leg, the rematch in Belfast between these two teams should be low-scoring, too.