On Friday, Shamrock Rovers will aim to extend their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division table when they welcome rivals Bohemians to Tallaght Stadium with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Shamrock Rovers, the defending league champions, head into the new campaign looking to win their third straight Irish title. They’re currently sitting at the top of the table with 39 points and a 13-2-2 record; they’ve won 13 and lost just twice.
In recent weeks, however, they haven’t been as dominant: a tough run of form has seen them lose to Drogheda United and draw with Shels before beating Dundalk 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Richie Towell and Rory Gaffney. They then drew away at Dundalk in a match that saw Robbie Benson hit the game’s only goal for the Lilywhites.
After finishing third, second, and fifth in the last three seasons, Bohemians may be disappointed by their start to the new campaign. They sit seventh in the League of Ireland Premier Division with just five wins and 22 points from their opening 17 outings.
They were left disappointed as they had to settle for a point at home to eighth-placed Drogheda United after Dean Williams equalized in the 84th minute following Jordan Flores’ goal earlier in the half.
Shamock Rovers vs Bohemians Head to Head
Both sides have 40 games against each other with hosts taking 19 wins while visitors with 6 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Cliftonville 0-1 Shamock
- Dundalk 0-1 Shamock
- Shamock 2-0 Shelbourne
- Drogheda 1-0 Shamock
Away
- Bohemian 1-0 Shamock
- Bohemian 1-1 Drogheda
- Patrick’s 3-0 Bohemian
- Bohemian 2-0 Sligo Rovers
Shamock Rovers Team News
Shamrock Rovers will be without midfielder Ronan Finn for Friday’s game against Cork City. However, they will have key attacker Graham Burke available again after his suspension, with the 28-year-old having netted seven league goals so far this season.
Bohemian Team News
James Finnerty came on and replaced Shane O’Neill following his red card, and he may well start alongside Jordan Doherty in Friday’s match. Young midfielder Dawson Devoy will continue to pose a threat going forward, having now scored six goals in his last 11 league appearances.
Prediction and Odds
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to avenge their defeat to Bohemians at home, and with the incentive of staying clear of Dundalk, we back them to return to winning ways against their Dublin rivals.
- Home Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
