Verdict: Shamrock Rovers win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Simply looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Premier Division table, Shamrock Rovers will welcome Galway to the Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
Shamrock Rovers
Starting with the hosts, while Shamrock might have been left hugely frustrated last season as they had to settle for a silver medal finish among Ireland’s elite, the Rovers haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Last seen putting in another eye-catching performance as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Derry City, Stephen Bradley’s men open Friday’s showdown holding a five-point buffer at the top of the table. Likewise, getting May underway with a routine 3-0 romp at home against Drogheda, Shamrock have won all of their previous five Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 14-2. Likewise, suffering just a single top-flight defeat since the start of March, Bradley’s high-flying squad will be looking to lay down another marker here.
Shamrock Rovers Team News
While one-time Galway defender Lee Grace might have missed out away at Derry City last week, the 32-year-old is expected to make a full recovery here. Ahead of Friday’s showdown, Shamrock have reported a clean bill of health.
Now finding the net in each of his previous three consecutive Premier Division appearances, 16-year-old sensational Michael Noonan could be handed a full recall. Likewise, notching four goals in his last five outings, veteran marksman Aaron Greene will spearhead Bradley’s charge.
Galway
As for the visitors, managing to claim what was a much-welcomed boost last week as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Cork City, Galway will be desperate to use that gritty performance as a platform to build on. However, facing what is a monumental challenge on Friday night, the Maroon Army almost find themselves sat in Premier Division limbo. Getting May underway with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of St. Patrick’s, John Caulfield’s men have lost their other four top-flight appearances. Likewise, Galway have also suffered consecutive Premier Division defeats away from Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time this season. It should also be noted, Caulfield’s camp have remarkably failed to win any of their last 38 straight meetings against Shamrock – a run that stems all the way back to October 2006.
Galway Team News
Once again missing out against Cork City last week and not making a single Premier Division appearance since April 21st, Galway are once again expected to be without the services of former Rochdale midfielder Jimmy Keohane on Friday night.
Notching nine goals in his last top-flight outings this season, New Zealand international Moses Dyer will shoulder plenty of Galway’s attacking threat. Making a shock start against Cork last week, 20-year-old goalkeeper Evan Watts should keep his spot between the sticks.
Shamrock Rovers vs Galway Key Factors to Consider
- When Shamrock Rovers and Galway last met on April 4th, the runaway Premier Division leaders clinched a 1-0 victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
- In fact, Shamrock are unbeaten in all of their previous 38 consecutive meetings against Galway across all competitions.
- The Rovers have won all of their previous five Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 14-2.
- Despite clinching a 2-1 victory against Cork City last month, Galway have lost their other four Premier Division appearances.
- Friday’s guests have suffered consecutive defeats away from Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time this season.
Conclusion
Embarking on what has been a sensational Premier Division romp this season, Shamrock will simply be looking to widen their buffer over the chasing pack here. Getting Friday’s showdown underway holding a five-point advantage, the Rovers will be smelling a golden opportunity here. Winning all of their previous five appearances by an aggregate score of 14-2 and suffering just a sole Premier Division defeat since the start of March, we are backing a home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Shamrock Rovers win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
