League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Shamrock Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

There are three games remaining for everyone in the Premier Division and it is only Waterford who have nothing to play for.

For the nine other teams, it is either the league title, European spots or relegation that has their attention and Friday’s game between Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers will have massive repercussions at both ends of the table.

The Boynesiders come into Friday’s match still sitting in the relegation play-off zone but with Bohemians not playing till Saturday in Sligo, United know a win would move them within a point of the safety of eighth spot currently held by the Gypsies.

A win for the FAI Cup Finalists would also relegate their Louth rivals Dundalk. 

In the opening match between United and the Hoops this season, Drogheda were defeated 4-0 in Tallaght 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.

Drogheda took a deserved point in the most recent game between the sides in Tallaght in August, as a fine finish from Douglas James-Taylor, setup by Conor Kane, earned Kevin Doherty’s side a draw.

The Boynesiders come into Friday’s clash following a scoreless draw away to Waterford last Friday.

Kevin Doherty will be without both Zishim Bawa and Matthew O’Brien due to injury while Frantz Pierrot remains a doubt following an injury picked up against Wexford. There are also concerns about the fitness of both Conor Kane and Ryan Brennan.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Incredibly the Hoops could go top of the table on Friday night with a win over Drogheda, coupled with neither league leaders Shelbourne nor second placed Derry City picking up a victory.

While there has been some talk of United being a bogey team for the Hoops since 2021, Rovers’ record in league and cup in Drogheda is four wins, three draws and just the one defeat.

If they can make that five wins on Friday, that will be a huge steps in the Hoops in the drive to win five league titles in a row.

Stephen Bradley, who remains suspended, spoke to his club’s media team about the title race saying: “Our focus now is just in front of us, and that’s Drogheda and doing everything we can to go on and win three points.

"We will look at the points totals at the end of the season, but right now it's about full focus and concentration on what’s in front of us and what we're going to have to do to win the game.”

Speaking about his opponents, the Hoops Head Coach said: “If you look at their recent games, they've been playing well, and we know Friday night will be a difficult game and we will respect that. But, we've got to make sure that we try and impose ourselves in the game as soon as possible. 

"They fully deserved the draw in Tallaght. We were off it on the day and they were very good. We've got to make sure that our performance level is a lot better than it was that day.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

MATCH STATS

Frantz Pierrot is the top scorer for the home side with ten league goals. 

Johnny Kenny has scored most for the Hoops with 12 goals, two behind Pat Hoban who is the leading league scorer.

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. Rovers won 2-0 earlier this season while their most recent match in Tallaght ended in a 1-1 draw.

PREDICTION

2-1 away win

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Rory Gaffney

Doubtful: Sean Hoare, Aaron Greene, Trevor Clarke

Suspended: Stephen Bradley

Drogheda United

Injured: Zishim Bawa, Matthew O’Brien

Doubtful: Frantz Pierrot, Conor Kane, Ryan Brennan

Suspended: None