Shamrock Rovers -v- Dundalk

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Going into Monday’s game in Tallaght against Dundalk (kick-off 7pm) Shamrock Rovers find themselves in seventh place in the league table with one third of the Airtricity League season gone.

Outside of the seven goal tallies racked up over Bray in the league and Linfield over two legs in the Setanta Sports Cup, the Hoops have struggled to break down teams and have seven league draws to their name after eleven games.

Trevor Croly’s men seem to be stuck in second gear so far in the league even if at times they have looked like a bounce of a ball their way would see them progress up the table. Last Friday night’s game with league champions Sligo Rovers was a good example of this and the 90 minutes were a microcosm of the Tallaght team’s season to date.

The Hoops had most of the possession but little penetration while limiting the opposition to only a few chances. The game ended typically in a draw with the home side coming agonosingly close to winning the game with Ciarán Kilduff’s header hitting the post but staying out.

“We played well on Friday,” said Rovers boss Trevor Croly, “but like a lot of our games recently we weren't happy with the result despite performing well. It's not good enough for us to just be playing well, we need to be winning games too. It's another big game for us against Dundalk and so I expect the same high level of intensity and hopefully we can go one better and get the win."

Three points against Dundalk on May Bank Holiday Monday may see the Hoops jump up to fifth in the table but at best they would still remain 11 points off top spot in the table. However, a win would at least keep the Hoops in the hunting ground for Europe and the title plus give them a boost going into next Saturday’s Setanta Sports Cup final against Drogheda United.

DUNDALK

Stephen Kenny returns to Tallaght Stadium as manager for the first time on Monday with Dundalk following his departure from the hot seat with the hoops last season. His new team have had an excellent start to the season and sit fourth in the league table after the first full set of fixtures.

Kenny’s club have won all five of their away league games so far this season including last Friday’s hard fought 1-0 win against Bray Wanderers in the Carlisle Grounds. That win was their third league victory on the trot.

“It was a great win in Bray,” said Stephen Kenny. “The Carlisle Grounds is always a tough place to go and get a result. We managed to do that and it was a great performance. It kept this winning streak going and in a good position.”

Dundalk have 21 points so far this season, more than they achieved in their dismal league campaign in 2012. While Kenny would get satisfaction from getting a win over his former club, his focus is on closing the gap to the teams above Dundalk in the table.

“We know how good Shamrock Rovers are and Tallaght is always difficult. We are ready to go again. Our away form has been excellent but we’re not thinking about records or anything like that. We’re looking to increase our points total and we’re looking forward to the game.” 

Dundalk’s top goalscorer John Dillon is very happy with the form his team have shown so far in the campaign. “We’ve been on a great run,” said Dillon. “We’ve played some really good football and all the lads have been great. There’s real competition for places and especially away from home we’ve been excellent. We’re a brand new team and we have done so well.”

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Stephen Kenny’s five wins from the first 11 league games in 2012 is the best start a new manager in Tallaght has had. In Michael O’Neill’s debut season in 2009, he could only manage four wins from his opening 11 league games while Trevor Croly only has 2 wins from his first 11 league outings as Rovers boss.

John Dillon is Dundalk’s top goalscorer so far this season with four league goals, three of them scored from the penalty spot. Ronan Finn’s two league goals makes him Rovers’ top league goalscorer.

September 2010 was the last time Dundalk beat Shamrock Rovers. A hat-trick by Matthew Tipton helped the Lilywhites to a 5-1 win. Dundalk also won in Tallaght 2-0 earlier in the 2010 season, their last win in the Dublin venue.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 8/11; Draw 12/5; Dundalk 15/4.

PREDICTION

Home win, 2-1

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Ken Oman, Conor Powell
Doubtful: Mark Quigley
Suspended: None

Dundalk

Injured: Chris Shields
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None