League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shamrock Rovers

DUNDALK

Shamrock Rovers make the trip up the M1 to Oriel Park for their first visit to Dundalk since defeating the Lilywhites 4-0 last September (kick off 7.45 pm). 

Dundalk have been in disarray on and off the pitch this season. Reports of protests against the club’s American owners Peak6 have been amplified this week as a meeting between supporters and the Sporting Director and current interim boss Jim Magilton did little to quell the tensions. 

A video message in attempt to fire up the Dundalk supporters and players from The Sopranos star Vito Spatafore AKA Joseph R. Gannascoli was released during the week. Perhaps he could solve the Dundalk goalkeeping problem.

The Lilywhites remain without a manager, with former all-Ireland winning Gaelic football manager Jim McGuinness being the latest to be linked with the position.

McGuinness has worked at Celtic previously, as well as being an assistant manager at Chinese Super League club Beijing Guon under Roger Schmidt before taking the helm at Charlotte Independence in the USL championship where he had one win in 14 games. 

On the pitch Dundalk have only picked up a measly 11 points in 11 games so far and remain 16 points behind their Tallaght rivals. 

Dan Cleary has picked up an injury to his quadricep and will require surgery, the former Liverpool defender will be out for months rather than weeks. 

Cleary will be a massive miss for Magilton, who spoke about the loss of the centre half.

“Unfortunately, we’re looking at being without Dan for a few months, “said Magilton. “He will be a huge loss because I think he was coming on strong.

“Any injury to one of our top defenders is always going to be a huge blow considering that we’ve already lost Brian Gartland and we’ve struggled to get Sonni Nattestad on the pitch.

“We’re now looking at that area as a worry so, hopefully, we can address it and Dan makes a speedy recovery, recovers well and we can get him back on the pitch as soon as possible,” said Magilton. 

Wilfried Zahibo and Sonni Nattestad are doubts while Brian Gartland and Pat Hoban will definitely miss out with long term injuries. 

Norwegian striker Ole Eirik Midtskogen opened his account for Dundalk last week away to Finn Harps and could lead the line again, while recent Irish Under-19 call up Val Adedokun will battle Darragh Leahy to start at left-back. 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Rovers train keeps on rolling, next stop Dundalk. The Hoops have now gone an incredible 33 games without tasting defeat. 

Stephen Bradley’s side now show that steely resolve that was once questioned as they attempt to make a statement performance at the home of their old rivals. They have gone behind in five of their eleven games so far this season but are yet to lose a game. 

Last September, as Rovers were on the march to reclaiming the league title, they defeated a depleted Dundalk side 4-0 who were in the midst of their European odyssey. 

Contrary to their rivals, it appears that the Hoops have their house in order off the pitch and on the pitch as they continue to gather points. A draw last week at home to a newly resurgent Derry side was a slight blip, but the win away to title challengers St. Patrick’s Athletic the week before thanks to an injury time Danny Mandroiu goal shows that this Rovers team will take some stopping. 

Aaron Greene is set to be available for Bradley’s charges but Sean Hoare will miss out on a return to Oriel as he is suspended after picking up a red card against Derry City.

Sean Gannon, another former Dundalk stalwart, will make his first trip back to the side where he picked up an incredible five league titles, three FAI Cups and three league cups. 

Dylan Watts looks like he will miss out through injury while Neil Farrugia remains a long-term absentee. 

Elder statesmen Chris McCann and Joey O’Brien are both pressing to make a return to the starting eleven after coming through injuries.

Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie manager Stephen Bradley is under no illusions that Dundalk remain a challenge. He said “we know Dundalk are a good side and that we’ll see the best of them tomorrow night, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”

The last meeting between the two sides resulted in a 2-1 win for Shamrock Rovers. The difference in goalkeeping between the two sides had a major impact on the game, veteran Alan Mannus (who turned 39 this week) making crucial saves for Rovers while counterpart Alessio Abibi struggled in the Dundalk goal. 

Referee: Rob Harvey 

MATCH STATS

Dundalk have not beaten Rovers since September 2019, winning 3-2 as a stunning Michael Duffy effort set the Lilywhites on their way to winning the league title. That is Rovers last league defeat.

Rovers are looking to extend their current unbeaten league record to 34 games. 

PREDICTION

Dundalk FC 1 - 3 Shamrock Rovers

BETTING

Dundalk 23/10; Draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 11/10

Dundalk

Injured: Pat Hoban, Brian Gartland, Dan Cleary 

Doubtful: Wilfried Zahibo, Sonni Nattestad

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Neil Farrugia, Sean Kavanagh, Dylan Watts

Doubtful: Chris McCann, Joey O’Brien

Suspended: Sean Hoare

Gary O’Neill: 'We are going to approach it as if it is the Dundalk side that were winning leagues and cups. We have to be on it and we will have to be ready'https://t.co/BOh0NhkhLIpic.twitter.com/S46AfcszpM

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) May 19, 2021