Shamrock Rovers -v- Drogheda United

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to bounce back from last week's 3-0 defeat in Sligo when they entertain Drogheda United at the Tallaght Stadium on Friday night. Indeed the champions have failed to win any of their last four league games and they are currently eight points behind leaders Sligo Rovers.

Graham Gartland and Chris Turner will miss the game for Rovers after being sent off against Sligo Rovers last Saturday. U19 player Thomas O'Rourke has reached four yellows and will also be suspended for the fixture.

Ciaran Kilduff will miss the game with a foot injury. Ronan Finn (hamstring) and Sean Gannon (ankle) are doubtful for the game and will be assessed ahead of kick-off. Captain Ken Oman is expected to return.

Rovers manager Stephen Kenny said he is hoping to get maximum points from his side’s next two league games. “We know we face a tough game against Drogheda. They have being doing very well this season and have some very good players in the side. But our target is to get six points from our two games over the next four days, against Drogheda and Monaghan”.

DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda United are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season. Drogheda have the same number of points as the champions in the table. United will also be hoping to reverse their opening day defeat at home to Rovers when they lost 2-1 at United Park to two Gary Twigg goals.

They have no injury worries for the trip to Tallaght. However the Louth club will be without Brian Gannon and Shane Grimes who are both suspended for the game.
 

Drogheda manager Mick Cooke believes that all the pressure is on the home team coming into this fixture. “It's always tough going to Tallaght, but it's nice to be going there knowing we are joint third with them in the table. The pressure will be off us and all on them as double league champions. They have let a few results get away from them and so have we. They will not be underestimating us in any way and will be as professional as usual.”

Referee: Alan Kelly.

 

MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rover’s Killian Brennan is a brother of Drogheda United trio Gavin, Ryan and Sean Brennan.
 

Drogheda’s Ryan Brennan had a trial with Scottish Premier League side Hibernian last season.

Killian Brennan also played under current Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Kenny at Derry City.

 

BETTING
Shamrock Rovers 8/15, Draw 11/4, Drogheda United 5/1

 

PREDICTION
Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Drogheda United.
 

Shamrock Rovers injury news: Ciaran Kilduff.
Shamrock Rovers suspension news: Graham Gartland, Chris Turner, Thomas O' Rourke.

Drogheda United injury news: None.
Drogheda United suspension news: Shane Grimes and Brian Gannon.