League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Drogheda United

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Saturday night’s result in Sligo saw Shamrock Rovers drop to fifth place in the table after the win for the Bit O’Red over Shels seeing them jump above the Hoops. However, with more dropped points for the Reds (without a win in their three league games, just like Derry City), Shamrock Rovers are inching back into the title race.

They require a win on Sunday evening though against Drogheda United (kick off 7pm) to keep them in the hunt for their fifth title in a row. Victory would move them into third, six points off second placed Derry City (with two games in hand) and eight points behind Shels (with one game in hand).

Stephen Bradley’s side got back from Slovenia at six o’clock on Friday morning after their 1-0 first leg loss in the Europa League third qualifying round against NK Celje. “We’re obviously disappointed to lose the game,” said Bradley speaking to shamrockrovers.ie.

“I felt we had enough chances to at least come away with a draw, but we’re really disappointed with the goal that we gave away. 

“I know they had other opportunities and Leon Pohls made two great saves, but in terms of the goal we gave away, it was really poor. But the tie is alive, and we take it back to Tallaght with everything to play for.”

What was also poor was the pitch which was brutal requiring Rovers to change tactics and team selection according to the Hoops Head Coach. “You see the pitch and I was genuinely shocked. It was dangerous. I think UEFA were trying to change the venue, but they couldn’t. But it was genuinely the worst pitch I’ve ever seen. There was no point in trying to play on that the way we normally play. 

“You look at players on the bench like Jack Byrne, he’d be wasted on that pitch. So, it changed everything last minute, which was unfortunate. But we dealt with it well to be fair, you could see it wasn’t our usual game, but we dealt with it and got on with it.”

Bradley is thankful his Rovers team return from Europe with a home game this weekend rather than the Hoops having to hit the road. “Yes, it’s nice to be home tomorrow. We only got home from Slovenia early on Friday morning so it’s nice not to have an away journey tomorrow.

"The players will recover and get ready for Drogheda. We always say we’ll focus on the next game. Drogheda is the biggest one as it’s the next one, so that’s our focus now and getting three points. That’s all we’ll be thinking of.”

He is missing both Rory Gaffney and Johnny Kenny up fornt due to injury but new signing Scotsman Marc McNulty will be in the match day squad.

DROGHEDA UNITED

The Boynesiders, who sit bottom of the table, travel to Tallaght on Sunday evening with just one win in their last dozen league games.

However, their last two matches – both at home – have delivered four points with a 2-0 win over Waterford and a 2-2 draw against Bohemians last time out.

When the teams played last season, both games at Weavers Park ended in draws - 1-1 draw in February and a scoreless draw in July.

In Tallaght in May, Drogheda won 2-1 thanks to goals from Freddie Draper and Dayle Rooney, before in October Rovers ran out 5-0 winners. 

This year when United last came to Tallaght they got tonked 4-0 with Johnny Kenny, Aaron Greene, Darragh Burns and Josh Honohoan on the scoresheet on a night when Drogheda ended the match with ten men following Jack Keaney’s harsh red card.

At the end of May in Weavers Park it was a 2-0 defeat (with Johnny Kenny and Graham Burke on the scoresheet). 

Kevin Doherty positions his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation 61% of the time. They have only gone five or three at the back for 11% of the time this season.

However, in the last two games they have gone 5-3-2 with Frantz Pierrot up top with Douglas James-Taylor. How sweet the combination has been in those games as they are undefeated with James-Taylor proving to be a handy man upfront.

A win in Tallaght would leave the Boynesiders with smiling faces as it move them level on points with the Louth neighbours Dundalk.

“Their two lads up top are very good,” said Stephen Bradley about the duo. “I went to watch them two weeks ago against Waterford and the two lads caused them real problems, they’re a real handful. 

“Then they’ve the likes of Ryan Brennan and Darragh Markey behind them. Drogheda are very dangerous off set plays, so we know where they’re strong, but we also know where we can hurt them.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

Johnny Kenny has scored most for the Hoops with ten and Aaron Greene has eight goals.

Top scorer for United in the league is Frantz Pierrot with five goals. 

PREDICTION

2-0 home win

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Rory Gaffney, Johnny Kenny

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Zishim Bawa 

Doubtful: Aaron McNally, Gary Deegan, Jethren Barr, James Byrne

Suspended: None

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