Shamrock Rovers -v- Derry City

• Simon O'Gorman
• Mon, Jun 13 2011


Shamrock Rovers welcome Derry City to Tallaght on Monday in a rescheduled Airtricity Premier Division clash that could push the Hoops six points clear at the top of the table. (Kick off, 8pm)

Rovers will enter this game brim full of confidence having dispatched UCD 6-1 at Belfield on Friday night and the Tallaght club will be looking for their fourth win on the spin. Rovers have also won their last five home games, conceding just a single goal in the process.

Derry, meanwhile, haven’t won either of their last two games, going down spectacularly to First Division Wexford Youths in the FAI Cup last weekend and playing out an entertaining 1-1 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night.

There are currently five points between the teams with Rovers sitting on top of the pile on 34 points and Derry in fourth on 29. However, should the Candystripes come away with the three points they would leapfrog both Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers who have each played a game more.

Rovers boss Michael O’Neill has just one injury worry ahead of the game with Chris Turner having picked up a knock against UCD. Apart from that he has a full squad to choose from for what should be a close game.

“This is a big game for both sides”, said O’Neill, “but we will be hoping the result go our way and we pick up the three points. We have an aim of getting 20 points in this second quarter, so we need to keep getting the wins, especially in our home games”

Having achieved the uncommon feat of holding the champions scoreless in the 0-0 draw at the Brandywell earlier in the season, Kenny will be reasonably confident that Derry can get something from the game.

Derry have only failed to score in two of their last 12 league games and in Eamon Zayed they have the league's highest scorer on 11 goals. He will also have midfielder James McClean available again after he missed Friday’s game through suspension.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Chris Turner (back).
Suspended: None.

Derry City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Friars (hip).
Suspended: None.

Referee: Richie Winter.

Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 7/10; Draw 12/5; Derry City 4/1.

Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.