League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shamrock Rovers

For the second time in as many weeks, the Oriel Park surface is at the centre of attention ahead of an important league clash. This time round, Shamrock Rovers boss Trevor Croly caused a wave of controversy by accusing Dundalk of gaining an unfair advantage during their Setanta Cup Semi-Final second leg clash at Oriel Park on Monday night. Croly maintains that the Lilywhites watered only the Shamrock Rovers end of the pitch during the half time break, meaning that the ball would move faster and in turn aid the home side’s attacks. Stephen Kenny responded unequivocally by stating that he had no knowledge of such actions by the Oriel Park ground staff.

DUNDALK

The Lilywhites go in to Friday’s match on the back of reaching the final of the Setanta Sports Cup on Tuesday evening. They defeated Rovers 1-0 on the night thanks to a Chris Shields effort just after half-time which meant that Dundalk went through to the final 3-1 on aggregate after carrying in a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Tallaght.

Dundalk have reported a clean bill of health ahead of tonight’s game and have so suspension worries, so Stephen Kenny should have a full squad to choose from although there is a slight doubt over the fitness of Brian Gartland and he will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Midfielder Ruaidhri Higgins spoke to dundalkfc.com about the second meeting of the sides this week and he is anticipating a tougher game than Tuesday and feels this is a ‘big week’ for Dundalk.

“We’re on a great run at the minute. Playing some good football and winning matches. We have put in some good performances and confidence is high in the group at the minute and we’re enjoying things.

“Friday will be a really tough game. Shamrock Rovers are a good side and it will be a difficult encounter but it’s a big week for us with the semi-final played and the league games to come so we’re looking forward to it all.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Trevor Croly’s men travel up the M1 for the second time in five days without the services of Sean O’Connor, who is out for a further two further weeks with a hamstring injury, Dean Kelly (calf) is also out, as is Rob Cornwall (ankle), while Ryan Brennan is a doubt with a hamstring problem. David O’Connor is back training, but won’t be available for selection. Luke Byrne also misses out through suspension.

Speaking ahead of the game, Hoops boss, Trevor Croly was hoping his side could put Monday’s result behind them and move on: “We just played up there on Tuesday night, so both teams will be very familiar with each other. We’ll be looking to put that result behind us and we’re glad to get back to the league and hopefully to winning ways. Dundalk are a good side, so we know we have a tough job on our hands going up there again.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Last 10 meetings (All competitions)

15.04.2014 (SSC) Dundalk 1-0 Shamrock Rovers (Shields 47)

24.03.2014 (SSC) Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Dundalk (Zayed 83; Towell pen 10, pen 33)

02.08.2013 (LGE) Dundalk 3-1 Shamrock Rovers (Hoban 2, 14, Byrne 52; Sheppard 43)

15.07.2013(LSC) Shamrock Rovers 4-1 Dundalk (Sheppard 28, Quigley 45, Zayed 57, Stewart 67; O’Connor 51)

21.05.2013(EAC) Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk (Kilduff 56)

06.03.2013(LGE) Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk (O’Connor 45)

08.03.2013(LGE) Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers

28.09.2012 (LGE) Shamrock Rovers 7-0 Dundalk(Finn 27, Oman 29, Kilduff 45+2, McCabe (pen) 57, (pen) 66, Twigg (70,72)

13.07.2012(LGE) Dundalk 1-1 Shamrock Rovers (Shanahan 19; Kavanagh 64)

13.04.2012(LGE) Shamrock Rovers 6-0 Dundalk (Turner 31, Twigg 33, 81, 87, Dennehy 46, Kavanagh 90+1)

BETTING

Dundalk: 11/8; Draw: 9/4; Shamrock Rovers: 15/8.

PREDICTION

On the evidence of Monday night’s Setanta Cup encounter, there will be only one winner here and that will be Dundalk – 3-0

Dundalk

Injury News: None.

Dundalk Suspension News: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injury News: Sean O’Connor, Dean Kelly, Rob Cornwall, Ryan Brennan, David O’Connor.

Suspension News: Luke Byrne.