League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Drogheda United

• Gerard Grimes
• Fri, Jun 23 2017




SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers will be looking to continue their impressive home form as they play host to Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).

 

Since losing to Derry and Cork in March, Rovers have won five and drawn two of their last seven home games.

 

The Hoops come into this game having gained seven points from their last three games as they beat Bray and drew with St. Pat's before beating Harps 1-0 in the first game back after the mid-season break.

 

Michael O’Connor’s goal two minutes before half time was enough to give Rovers victory in Ballybofey in a game between two depleted sides who both had four suspended players for the tie.

 

This will be Rovers' last game before they switch their focus to next week’s Europa League tie against Icelandic side Stjarnan.

 

In team news, Stephen Bradley remains without the suspended duo of Graham Burke and David McAllister. Paul Corry also remains sidelined with a knee injury.

 

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

A 6-0 Louth Derby drubbing to Dundalk last week saw Drogheda United fall back into the relegation zone.

 

Thomas Byrne’s red card after half an hour while the game was scoreless was the turning point as it was afterwards that Dundalk really came alive, going in 3-0 at the break before extending their lead in the second half.

 

Pete Mahon's men have now gone without a win from any of their last eight games and have failed to find the net in their last six.

 

Similar to last week, a win for Drogheda could see them rise two places in the league while a defeat or draw could also see the Boynesiders fall to the foot of the table, depending on results elsewhere.

 

Drogheda will again be without the injured Gavin Brennan while Thomas Byrne is suspended following his red card against Dundalk.

 

In more positive news for the Boynesiders, both Jake Hyland and Kevin Farragher have recovered from injuries and are expected to again be available.

 

 

Referee: Sean Grant

 

 

MATCH STATS

Drogheda won the first meeting between these sides this season with a 2-1 victory at United Park thanks to a Graham Burke own goal in the 93rd minute, four minutes after the Shamrock Rovers man had equalised for his side.

 

Drogheda United now have the worst attacking and defensive statistics in the league, having scored just thirteen goals but conceded thirty-four in eighteen games this season.

 

In comparison to Drogheda's -21 goal difference, Shamrock Rovers have a GD of 0 - with 27 goals scored and conceded from nineteen games this season.

 

 

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 4/9; Draw 10/3; Drogheda United 13/2.

 

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Drogheda United

 

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Paul Corry (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Graham Burke, David McAllister.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Gavin Brennan (ankle).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Thomas Byrne.