Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers
17 June 1945hrs
Football – Ireland – Premier Division
Pick Dundalk
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: 3/1 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 9 June
The top two go head to head in Ireland on Friday as leaders Shamrock Rovers look to pull further clear of second place Dundalk who can close to within five with a game in hand.
Table of Contents
Dundalk – Can Dundalk make it five straight wins and keep title hopes alive?
Dundalk won five League of Ireland titles between 2014 and 2019, establishing themselves as the dominant force in Irish football. They now find themselves as one of the main challengers to the current champions, who they face on Friday in a game which is basically a must win otherwise their wait for a title will go on for another year. Dundalk are currently second but eight points behind Rovers ahead of this clash. It could be argued that a draw is not a terrible result as they have played a game less but playing at home means a win is the goal.
This is Stephen O’Donnell’s first season in charge of the club having been part of so much of their recent success as a player, and having had a short spell playing for Rovers he is well aware of what this fixture means.
Shamrock Rovers Preview – Will Rovers bounce back from defeat in their most recent away game?
Stephen Bradley and his Shamrock Rovers team are looking for a third straight title and are very placed to do just that. Eight points clear just past the halfway stage is a decent position to be in and they know they can take a huge step towards the championship with a win here. Rovers – who will play Hibernians from Malta in the first round of Champions League qualifying next month – travel to Dundalk on Friday as favourites to do just that.
That said, they are coming into this away game against their nearest rivals on the back of more dropped points on their travels.
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Although they are absolutely flying at home (nine wins, one draw), Bradley’s men have won just four of their nine games on the road – so there is a vulnerability when they go away. On a more encouraging note, three of the five games they have dropped points in away from home did come at the start of the season so there has been some improvement in spite of losing to Drogheda last time out.
Daniel Mandroiu has picked up here he left off last season. The midfielder scored 15 in the previous campaign and is already on seven for this one, including four in his last four. Due to a combination of suspension and international duty, however, Mandroiu has not played since the end of May.
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers Betting Advice
There’s no doubt that this game is more critical for Dundalk than it is the visiting champions. Rovers will be quite content to avoid defeat, maintain their eight point cushion and ensure it would be a minimum five depending on how the hosts get on in their game in hand – so Dundalk have to approach this one and aim for all three points.
It is Rovers who have had the upper hand in the previous meetings this year, taking four points from the two matches which have featured just one goal in total.
Key Facts – Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers Betting Tip
- Dundalk are unbeaten at home this season, winning seven and drawing twice
- Despite a dominant home record, Rovers have won only four of their nine away games
- This is the third meeting between the two this season with Rovers winning last time out following a goalless draw
Dundalk do have a good record at home against Rovers, though, winning four of the last six in the league here. With their need greater and the visitors having some wobbles away from home, the hosts look good value to get the win here.
Best Betting Odds for Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers
