Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Looking to widen their buffer at the top of the Premier Division table and making another statement on Friday night, Shamrock Rovers will travel to Oriel Park when they meet Dundalk.
Dundalk
Starting with the hosts, while Dundalk might have felt that they missed out on a golden chance earlier in the week, Stephen O’Donnell’s men have certainly claimed a welcomed boost on either side of the international break. Despite having to settle for a 1-1 draw against St. Patrick’s last time out, the former Irish champions have collected 10 points from just their last four top-flight appearances. With their recent turn in fortunes highlighted by a stellar 4-1 romp against UC Dublin on June 5th, fans around Oriel Park will be excited by their side’s continued performances in the final third. However, although Dundalk might have notched nine strikes on their four-match unbeaten run, O’Donnell will have a growing headache over his side’s issues at the other end of the pitch. Knowing that they face a real challenge when the defending champions arrive on Friday night, it should be noted that the Reds have failed to muster a single domestic clean sheet from any of their last nine straight showdowns a run that stems all the way back to May 6th.
Team News
Dundalk have confirmed that they will once again be without the injured duo of Robbie Benson and John Mountney on Friday night. Likewise, 22-year-old Rayhaan Tulloch will also miss out through suspension at Oriel Park.
Notching five Premier Division strikes in just his last four appearances, attacking talisman Patrick Hoban will spearhead the Lilywhites charge here.
Shamrock Rovers
As for the visitors, claiming what could turn out to be a season-deciding 1-0 victory at home against Derry earlier in the week, it is no secret that Shamrock are tipped as a landslide contender to get their hands on a fourth straight domestic crown this season. Although Stephen Bradley’s men might have marked their return from June’s international break with an action-packed 2-2 draw away at Bohemians, the Irish heavyweights have collected 13 points from just their last five Premier Division contests. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding seven-point buffer over the chasing pack, Shamrock will be desperate to make another title statement here. With their continued success highlighted by a routine 3-0 romp away at Sligo Rovers earlier in the month, Bradley’s squad will also be excited by a stellar record against Friday’s hosts. In fact, claiming a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Dundalk to the Tallaght Stadium on June 2nd, the Rovers have won each of their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 9-0.
Team News
Juggling what has been a mounting injury list, Shamrock will once again be without the trio of Ronan Finn, Gary O Neil, Trevor Clarke and Alan Mannus on Friday night. Likewise, Bradley is also sweating over the fitness of 33-year-old Aaron Greene.
Mustering 12 domestic strikes this season and once again finding the net against Derry earlier in the week, Rory Gaffney will lead Shamrock s attak here.
Key Factors to Consider
