Shamrock Rovers -v- Drogheda United
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Shamrock Rovers will aim to continue their pursuit of back-to-back Premier Division titles when they welcome Drogheda United to Tallaght Stadium on Sunday afternoon (Kick-off, 2pm).
Rovers will likely look to freshen things up after a huge performance in the 3-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in London on Thursday night, but they will have to wary of the challenge of Mick Cooke’s well organised side.
Shamrock Rovers have been in good form domestically, with just one defeat in their last eight league games (a 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers at Tallaght on September 9th). Their last match saw Rovers roar back from a goal down at home to beat Bray Wanderers 5-2, however they lost 1-0 to Sligo in the FAI Cup quarter final on the back of their last European tie (a 3-0 defeat to Rubin Kazan at Tallaght). Gary McCabe is suspended for this clash.
Drogheda United have been in disappointing form of late, having not won since back-to-back victories over Galway United and Bray Wanderers in late July/early August. However they have had a tough run of fixtures of late, losing to Bohemians and Sligo but recorded a credible 2-2 draw at Derry last month.
Drogs boss Mick Cooke was keen to praise Rovers following their performance in White Hart Lane: “Firstly I'd like to congratulate Michael O'Neill and Shamrock Rovers on their performance against Tottenham on Thursday night, they did the league proud and it was a fantastic display,” he said.
Turning towards the match itself, Cooke said: “We are looking forward to going to Tallaght on Sunday but we won't expect any hangover from Thursday night. They have a big and formidable squad and they will be fully focused on the league now.”
For United Jack Flynn and Colin O'Brien remain out for the rest of the season, but Lee Lynch is back in contention of a starting berth. Mark O'Brien is suspended and Robert Duggan is a doubt.
The meetings of these two teams have had a one-sided look about them this term, with Rovers putting eight goals past the Drogs and conceding none to record victories in the three previous matches, although the last match in July saw Rovers winning narrowly by 1-0.
On paper this should be a comfortable win for Shamrock Rovers, but a disciplined Drogheda will travel to Tallaght hoping to take advantage after any hangover from the Spurs match, but Rovers’ bigger squad should see them over the line.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Not Available
Doubtful: Not Available
Suspended: Gary McCabe.
Drogheda United
Injured: Jack Flynn, Colin O’Brien.
Doubtful: Robert Duggan.
Suspended: Mark O’Brien.
Referee: Tom Connolly.
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 1/6, Draw 5/1, Drogheda United 16/1.
Extratime prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Drogheda United.
