Shamrock Rovers -v- Dundalk

• Gareth Penrose
• Sat, Aug 22 2009


Shamrock Rovers welcome Dundalk to Tallaght Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 19:00) as the Louth men go in search of their first win over Rovers this season. A single goal in Oriel Park from Stephen Rice was enough in April for the Hoops to take all three points, whilst in June, Rovers won out by three goals to one in Tallaght with Gary Twigg scoring a brace.

Extratime Manager of the Month for July, Shamrock Rovers Michael O’Neill is expecting a tough game against Dundalk as his side challenge on both League and Cup fronts.

“The games are coming thick and fast, but that’s what we want. We’re making a challenge for the league; we’re still in the Cup as we enter the final third of the season. We’ve a lot of big games between now and the end of the season, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Dundalk will obviously provide a stern test of our capabilities.

“We’ll be expecting another tough and physical contest. We’ve won the two games against them so far this season and we’ll be looking to continue in that way. Of course it’ll be a very difficult game, but our objective is to get the three points and maintain the unbeaten run we’ve been on since the start of May.”

In Shamrock Rovers teams news, Corie Treacy and Shane Robinson are both suspended, but otherwise Shamrock Rovers are at full strength for Saturday’s game against Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium.

Says Hoops’ boss Michael O’Neill: “It’s a pity Corie and Shane are unavailable, but otherwise we’re at full strength as we’ve no injury worries ahead of the Dundalk game.

“We rested a few lads for last week’s FAI Ford Cup game against UCD, and we’ve now got a squad that gives us options. We’ll change things as we feel it necessary.”

Dundalk has had mixed form so far this month. In the league, they have lost to St. Pat’s, drawn with Bray Wanderers and won out over Sligo Rovers. In the FAI Cup, Bohemians eventually got the better of Sean Connor’s side but only after a replay and extra-time.

In Dundalk team news, Michael Daly and Ger Rowe are suspended for the game. Chris Turner has a knee injury and is doubtful, as is Michael Collins with a back problem.

Peter Cherrie returned to Scotland for personal reasons during the week but he could be back for the game.

Extratime.ie Prediction: Shamrock Rovers to win. 2-0.