League Preview: Dundalk - v - Shamrock Rovers

DUNDALK FC

Fresh from their heroic European exploits, Dundalk return to domestic action on Tuesday evening with a home fixture versus their Europa League group stage predecessors, Shamrock Rovers.

The Lilywhites became the first Irish side to claim a point in the group phase of a European competition following Ciaran Kilduff’s late equaliser in Alkmaar on Thursday night.

Despite falling behind on the hour mark and losing Stephen O’Donnell to a second yellow-card ten minutes later, Dundalk, having dominated the first-half, fought back to grab a deserved share of the spoils on a landmark night for the club, who had more than 800 travelling supporters in attendance.

Stephen Kenny’s men must though put their continental campaign to the back of their minds for the next five days with Rovers and Derry City visiting Oriel Park within three days of each other, with both opponents having European aspirations of their own heading into the league’s decisive period.

Dundalk have been relentless in their quest for a third consecutive league crown, and should they defeat Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday evening, they would re-establish their seven-point leading margin over second-placed Cork City, while also extending their unbeaten run over the Hoops to seven matches.

Despite the Lilywhites having to endure an inexorable fixture schedule, the team’s unwavering team spirit and togetherness has seen them achieve multiple records.

Their unyielding belief in their manager and in themselves has seen them pick up results, with late-winners a feature of their efforts this season.

As a result, Dundalk continue to battle on three fronts, with Derry City standing in their way of a second FAI Cup final appearance in two seasons.

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny deserves a huge amount of credit for the manner by which his team have coped with their demanding schedule and should they continue their run into the final months of the season, it may not just be Dundalk’s players that English clubs may court.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Sick of the sight of Cork City, Shamrock Rovers visit the home of another heavyweight in Irish football when they travel up the M1 to face champions Dundalk FC at Oriel Park.

Rovers lost to the Rebels 3-0 on Friday evening as John Caulfield’s team reduced the Lilywhites’ lead at the summit of the league standings to seven-points.

That defeat was the Tallaght men’s second loss to Cork in the space of a week having succumbed to a 5-0 drubbing in the quarter-final of the FAI Cup the previous Friday.

Despite again fielding a youthful XI, the Hoops coped better at Turners Cross than they had done in their prior defeat, with Sean Maguire’s seventh minute goal blotching what had been a good first-half display by Rovers. Aaron Dobbs in particular showed his worth to Bradley’s team.

Ireland’s most successful club also reverted back to a more conventional formation on their last outing having tried to play a more possession based line-out with three central defenders accompanied by wing-backs. This system malfunctioned horribly in their cup loss, hence the change for their second crack at Cork.

All-in-all, Rovers have endured a disappointing season on the pitch. Player out-bursts and a managerial change haven’t helped Rovers gain consistency as their title aspirations crumbled during the first-round of league fixtures.

However, off-field grass-roots development plans have encouraged their supporters that a brighter future lies ahead along with the influx of young talent into the first-team – Dobbs, Trevor Clarke and Sean Boyd being the most prominent of whom.

It’s also worth noting that Rovers are still in a good position in the race for European football next term. They currently trail third-placed Derry City by three-points while having a game-in-hand on the Candystripes.

Brandon Miele, arguably Rovers’ best player this season, will miss-out on the trip to Oriel Park through injury, along with long term absentee, Luke Byrne. Trevor Clarke is suspended for game.

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Dundalk haven’t lost at Oriel Park in the league versus Shamrock Rovers since 2012 in a streak which stretches over six matches and can go seven for the first time since a period between, 1985-89.

This will be the 340th meeting in total between Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.

Dundalk’s Sean Gannon, Stephen O’Donnell, Ronan Finn and Ciaran Kilduff represented the Hoops before joining Dundalk, while Shamrock Rovers’ Simon Madden has plied his trade with the Lilywhites.

MATCH BETTING

Dundalk FC 1/4; Draw 4/1; Shamrock Rovers 9/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk FC 2-0 Shamrock Rovers

Dundalk FC

Injured: Ciaran O’Connor & Darren Meenan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne & Brandon Miele.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Trevor Clarke.