Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers
Credit:
DUNDALK
Not many would have predicted with only the final round of games left, that Dundalk would be sitting in second place. The Lilywhites have had an excellent season thus far and they will be hoping that they can maintain their excellent form into the last round of the season.
The Lilywhites secured a hard-fought three points against Bray Wanderers last weekend to keep the side’s title bid on track. Kurtis Byrne struck immediately after the break to give the team a narrow 1-0 victory. The Seagulls will believe that they were unlucky not to come away with something as they proved more than a match for Dundalk over the 90 minutes however the points went to the home side as they held onto second spot.
This week sees the Louth side take on Shamrock Rovers in what could prove to be a pivotal weekend in the league season. Dundalk are yet to beat The Hoops in four attempts this season and for the match, while they have no suspension worries they will be without the long-term injured Keith Ward who remains out with a cruciate knee injury. John Mountney has an ankle problem and Dane Massey has a knee injury and both are rated as doubtful for the clash but will be given every possible opportunity to prove their fitness.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com before the match, manager Stephen Kenny was full of praise for his young players and their performances over recent weeks.
“The players have worked extremely hard all season and they have been excellent. They have given everything in every game this season and it has been terrific. The players know that they have another tough game this weekend against Shamrock Rovers. Our home form has been really good lately and there’s a great belief in the squad.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers head to Oriel Park with just two losses all season however they sit in fifth place having drawn 12 of their 22 matches this season. It has been a frustrating season for the Hoops faithful however they will be hoping that a victory this weekend can kick-start their campaign.
The Tallaght outfit go into the match on the back of a scoreless draw away to champions Sligo Rovers last weekend. The Hoops may find that as a point gained at the end of the season as Richard Brush saved a penalty just after half-time. That was the Hoops third draw of July however they secured an impressive win over Derry City a few weeks ago and having already beaten Dundalk on three occasions this season, Shamrock Rovers will travel to Oriel Park in confident spirits.
For the match itself, David Elebert and former Lilywhite Mark Quigley will both miss the game due to calf injuries while Tommy Stewart is a doubt as he recovers from a dead leg. Influential midfielder Ronan Finn will definitely miss the game due to suspension.
Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie before the match, manager Trevor Croly believes that this match is the ‘biggest of the season’ for the Hoops and is expecting a tough game at Oriel Park.
“It’s another big game for us, as they all seem to be at this stage. In fact, this is probably the biggest game of the season for us so far due to how the table looks at the moment. I’m expecting a big crowd up there – from both our fans and theirs, and there’s no doubt it will be a hard fought game, it always is in Dundalk.”
Referee: Alan Kelly
MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rovers are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Dundalk.
Dundalk have only won 3 of their last 25 meetings and will be looking for their first victory against the Hoops since the aforementioned 5-1 drubbing against the Hoops on September 13th 2010. There have been thirteen competitive matches since then with Rovers winning 9 and there have been 4 draws.
Both sides have former players in their respective squads – Dundalk have Aaron Shanahan and Stephen O’Donnell and current manager Stephen Kenny spent time as boss of his opponents while Rovers have two former Dundalk Player of the Year winners in Mark Quigley and Derek Foran who both spend a season each at the club. Quigley picked up the award in 2011 and Foran in 2012. Their assistant manager, Colin Hawkins, also spent the 2011 season at Oriel Park.
BETTING
Dundalk -9/4 Draw- 9/4 Shamrock Rovers- 23/20
PREDICTION
Very hard to choose between the sides although a draw looks likely. Entertaining – 2-2.
Dundalk
Injured: Keith Ward(knee)
Doubtful: John Mountney(ankle) and Dane Massey(knee)
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: David Elebert and Mark Quigley(both calf)
Doubtful: Thomas Stewart(dead leg)
Suspended: Ronan Finn.
