In a top-of-the-table clash on Friday in the Irish Premier, Dundalk make a trip to Shamrock Rovers as they look to close the gap between them.
The hosts are unbeaten in their previous seven matches, with the last time they lost being against their opponents this week.
Dundalk have been in impressive form heading into this contest as they are enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak at the moment that they will be pushing to extend once again on Friday.
Stephen McDonnell’s side picked up a 1-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic in their most recent game with Daniel Kelly scoring the only goal on the game.
That result kept them within touching distance of the league leaders as they sit eight points behind Shamrock Rovers, while also boasting a game in hand.
The last time that Dundalk lost just so happened to be against Shamrock Rovers, with that contest ending 1-0 after a goal from Daniel Mandroiu, while Brian Gartland was also sent off.
A repeat of that would help Rovers in cruise control at the top of the table, which is exactly what Stephen Bradley will be expecting of his team.
Shamrock Rovers managed to bounce back from only their third defeat of the season when they faced Shelbourne in their previous league match, with goals from Richie Towell and Rory Gaffney helping them return to winning ways.
The league leaders have been dominant in their displays, having scored more than any other team while also conceding the least.
Rovers suffered all three of their defeats away from home so far, as they have not been as strong on their travels throughout this season.
Something that they will be wary of heading into this contest is the fact that Dundalk are unbeaten at home, which should provide a major challenge for both teams.
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers head to head
The two teams have previously met on 84 occasions across all competitions, where Dundalk have claimed 30 victories while Shamrock have won 31, and they have drawn in 23. Dundalk have scored 107 goals and Shamrock 119. In their last five meetings, they have won twice each and drawn once.
Dundalk 2-1 Shamrock Rovers 21/05/21
Shamrock Rovers 3-1 Dundalk 02/07/21
Dundalk 1-0 Shamrock Rovers 08/10/21
Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers 14/03/22
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk 18/04/22
Dundalk latest home form
Dundalk have recently been on a good run of form at home, having won each of their six most recent matches. They managed to defeat St Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 12 goals and conceded four.
Dundalk 2-1 Sligo Rovers 15/04/22
Dundalk 2-1 Shelbourne 22/04/22
Dundalk 4-1 Drogheda United 29/04/22
Dundalk 3-1 Bohemians 13/05/22
Dundalk 1-0 St Patrick’s Athletic 27/05/22
Dundalk latest away form
Dundalk have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having lost just one of their five most recent matches. They managed to defeat Finn Harps 1-0 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored five goals and conceded four.
St Patrick’s Athletic 0-0 Dundalk 08/04/22
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk 18/04/22
UCD 2-2 Dundalk 06/05/22
Derry City 1-2 Dundalk 20/05/22
Finn Harps 0-1 Dundalk 23/05/22
Shamrock Rovers latest home form
Shamrock have recently been on a good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their five most recent matches. They played out a goalless draw with Galway United in their last home game in a friendly. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded two.
Shamrock Rovers Finn Harps 06/05/22
Shamrock Rovers 3-1 Sligo Rovers 09/05/22
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Derry City 13/05/22
Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Shelbourne 27/05/22
Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Galway United 10/06/22
Shamrock Rovers latest away form
Shamrock lost their last away game 1-0 to Drogheda United in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having been unbeaten in their six matches prior to that. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded four.
Shelbourne 1-2 Shamrock Rovers 08/04/22
Bohemians 1-3 Shamrock Rovers 22/04/22
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Shamrock Rovers 29/04/22
UCD 0-3 Shamrock Rovers 19/05/22
Drogheda United 1-0 Shamrock Rovers 23/05/22
Dundalk news
Mark Connolly, Robbie Benson and Bradley were all brought back into the starting lineup last time out, and they will likely retain their spots in the team.
John Mountney is back as an option following his injury spell, but Dundalk will no longer be with Daniel Williams after finishing his loan spell at the club.
Shamrock Rovers news
Shamrock will be boosted with Mandroiu being available once again following his suspension, which means Gary O’Neil could drop to the bench.
Graham Burke has been a goal threat for Shamrock recently, while Rory Gaffney will be hoping to follow up on the goal he scored in their previous game.
Prediction and Odds
We are expecting a tough and closely contested battle between the two teams, as it is a crucial top-of-the-league contest.
Shamrock Rovers might be sat at the top at the moment, but they have not been good away from home this season, which could provide Dundalk a chance of winning.
Odds: 1 2.15 X 2.00 2 2.30
Probable outcomes
Dundalk 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk 2-0 Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk 2-1 Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk 2-2 Shamrock Rovers


















