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Sporting Fingal -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Andrew Cunneen
- Sun, Aug 01 2010
After their battle midweek with Italian giants Juventus, Michael O'Neill will want his players to return their attention to domestic matters as his Shamrock Rovers side travel to Santry to face Sporting Fingal.
In a game in which a win would see Rovers return to the summit of the Premier Division, the Rovers boss is very much aware of the effect European competition could have on the players. “The main thing tomorrow is that we get our focus back on the league after the recent European games”, O’Neill said. “We have two very tough league games, including tomorrow’s, either side of travelling to Modena for the away leg against Juventus.”
Sporting Fingal should prove a tough test for O'Neill’s men, especially with the brand of football they play. Since their introduction to the Airtricity League, Liam Buckley's men have always had a certain philosophy about the way they approach matches, that being pass and move. "They are a good side, and I’m sure it will be a close affair, as all the games between the two sides have been so far", acknowledges O'Neill.
Sporting boss Liam Buckley agrees with O'Neill stating “Our previous four matches against Rovers have all been close, three draws and our FAI Ford Cup win at Tallaght in the replay last season." Fingal themselves aren't too far from the top of the table, with a win leaving only five points between themselves and leaders St. Pat’s.
“They’ve hit the summit in recent weeks and remain one of the title favourites. It should be an exciting game and we’ll be geared up for it”, Buckley said summing up the prospect of the game.
The home side will be without Colin Hawkins, who broke his ribs against Maritimo a fortnight ago. Shaun Maher will also have to face a late fitness test, but Fingal are hopeful to have him ready for this encounter.
Rovers will be without Dessie Baker and Pat Sullivan, while Pat Jennings comes into the squad replacing Robert Duggan, who departed for Drogheda United this week.
Paddypower.com Odds: Sporting Fingal 6/4, Shamrock Rovers 7/4, Draw 21/10.
Sporting Fingal:
Injured: Colin Hawkins
Doubtful Shaun Maher
Suspended: None
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: Dessie Baker, Pat Sullivan
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Extratime.ie Prediction: Rovers to edge it, 1-2.
About Andrew Cunneen
Andrew joined Extratime for the 2010 season and covers all the on-goings down in Limerick. Having first experienced the League of Ireland in 2002, Andrew became hooked, even at such an early age. He is …