League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Dundalk

Aidomo Emakhu should return to the Rovers squad having missed last week's European game. He has four goals in his last six games.

Aidomo Emakhu should return to the Rovers squad having missed last week's European game. He has four goals in his last six games. Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

SHAMROCK ROVERS 

This match in Tallaght between the teams who have won nine of the last dozen League of Ireland titles could prove crucial in deciding this season’s champions (kick off 7pm). Should Shamrock Rovers defeat Dundalk, it would move the Hoops seven points clear with ten matches remaining and with a game in hand to come at home to UCD. 

The flip side of that is of course if Dundalk become the first opposition team to win a league game in Tallaght Stadium since May 2021, the gap would be down to just a point albeit with the Lilywhites having played a game more.

After Rovers’ 4-0 defeat to Ferencvaros in Budapest on Thursday, they have an even tighter turnaround for this fixture against Dundalk as they did with last week’s scoreless draw in Derry following their 2-0 win away to Shkupi in North Macedonia.

Reflecting on the game in Hungary on shamrockrovers.ie, Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley said: “It was a difficult game and we were disappointed with the goals we gave away. I think we’re a team and a squad that need to be at our very best to go and win those games. We obviously weren’t and we got punished by a very good side. 

“I think it was a step up from anything we’ve played this year. They were very good on the night and obviously deserved to win.”

Bradley brought on a number of substitutions after Rovers went 3-0 down to the Hungarian champions including Jack Byrne getting game time – his longest contribution to a Hoops game since the end of May.

“Jack did well when he came on, like Justin (Ferizag) did and Gideon (Tetteh), Richie (Towell) and Neil (Farrugia). They did well so it wasn’t just Jack, and there were lots of positives from the team. 

“Unfortunately, we made some silly mistakes and at that level against that quality, you get punished.

I think when you see the game, we gave away some really poor goals from our point of view. That was the most disappointing thing, the goals were all really preventable.



“Sunday is another big game. It’s first against second and every week we’re involved in big games, domestically and in Europe. That’s exactly where we want to be. 

“It’s about showing up for every game because they’re all important, especially in the second part of the season. I’ve no doubt that both sets of players will give absolutely everything they have to win the game on Sunday.

DUNDALK

The Lilywhites travel to Tallaght to face the league champions for the final time in the league this season so they really need to take maximum opportunity tonight to take points off the Hoops if they are to continue their title challenge.

Dundalk are the last team to defeat Rovers in domestic action – a 1-0 in Oriel Park back in June. The last time the Lilywhites came to Dublin 24, the Hoops won 1-0 thanks to a Danny Mandroiu goal. The other match between the teams this season ended in a scoreless draw in Oriel Park.

The Dundalk Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell, speaking to dundalkfc.com, said his team are very much just focused on the three points available to his side this weekend.



“We’re not talking about long-term projects when we play every Friday,” he said. “We’re trying to grasp the moment in every game. It’s the here and now. We never bring in further down the line, it’s about the game in front of us. There are three points on offer and there’s a game to be won and that’s the way we approach it.

“Looking at the bigger picture probably comes during the week and at the end of the season when you think about what trajectory you’re on but when the game’s come around, it’s all about what’s happening on the pitch and how you react to it.

“The players have been brilliant from day one and to get themselves into such a good position at the latter end of the league speaks volumes for their attitude and quality,” he added.

The Lilywhites sit second in the table three points clear of Derry City with both teams having ten games to play in the league campaign.

“Back in February, I’m sure people wouldn’t have thought this game would be happening in regard to where we’d be in the table going into the last ten games. That’s down to the players and their quality.”

“A win gets us closer to the top, simple as that. It would close the gap but it’s more about pitting your wits against a good team with good players and seeing where you’re at.

Referee: Rob Harvey

MATCH STATS

The Lilywhites last league victory in Tallaght was a 1-0 win in June 2019 with Sean Gannon scoring the winner. Rovers have won all four league fixtures in Tallaght since that defeat to Dundalk.

This week 12 months ago marks the last time that Rovers have lost a match in Tallaght in any competition. Flora Tallinn defeated the Hoops 1-0 on Thursday 26 August. Since then they have gone 23 matches unbeaten in the venue which equals the club record in the Tallaght era.

Rovers haven’t lost at home in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers in May 2021.

PREDICTION

2-1 home win

Shamrock Rovers 

Injured: Graham Burke, Chris McCann, Simon Power, Pico Lopes

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Dundalk

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Andy Boyle 

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile