Shamrock Rovers will be a looking to end an inconsistent run when they welcome Drogheda United to Tallaght Stadium in the League of Ireland Premier Division on Friday night.
The reigning champions kicked off the campaign with an 11-game unbeaten streak but have since won just two of their previous six outings (one draw, three losses).
As part of a pilot test event for spectators returning to sport events in Ireland, our fixture on Friday away to Shamrock Rovers will see 1,000 fans at Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 8pm.We have a limited number of away tickets for this fixture. 👇 pic.twitter.com/zjlO8uNzqg— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) June 22, 2021
As part of a pilot test event for spectators returning to sport events in Ireland, our fixture on Friday away to Shamrock Rovers will see 1,000 fans at Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 8pm.We have a limited number of away tickets for this fixture. 👇 pic.twitter.com/zjlO8uNzqg
Shamrock currently find themselves second in the table – nine points clear of fifth-place Drogheda United.
Having picked up eight wins and three draws at the beginning of the season, Shamrock looked set to defend their title with ease.
However, they have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, allowing St Patrick’s Athletic to overtake them at the top of the table.
It is worth remembering, though, that Shamrock Rovers have only lost three of their last 35 league matches.
Trends also show that Shamrock have gone into half-time in each of their previous 12 league games without trailing.
If Shamrock want to turn things around, they may need to rely on forward Graham Burke to dig them out of trouble.
Indeed, Burke is the club’s top scorers this season, having bagged seven goals and one assist in all competitions.
Thankfully for Shamrock, Drogheda United head into Friday night’s clash on a below-par run of their own.
Following a six-match unbeaten streak (four wins, two draws), Drogheda have lost three of their last four Premier league games.
Having been thrashed 5-0 by Bohemians last week, Drogheda now have the worst defensive record in the top six.
That said, only one team – Bohemians – have scored more goals than Drogheda’s 29 throughout the 2021 campaign.
When you consider that statistic, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that Drogheda are averaging 2.13 goal per game on their travels this term.
Head-to-head: Let’s not forget that Shamrock claimed a 1-0 away victory over Drogheda in the reverse fixture back in April.
Shamrock have won four of their previous five meetings with Drogheda, as well as seven of their last nine.
Team news: Shamrock have no fresh injury concerns, although Sean Gannon and Sean Hoare are both one yellow card away from a suspension.
Drogheda are also injury free at the moment. Joint-top scorers Chris Lyons and Mark Doyle are likely to cause some problems on Friday.
Given Drogheda’s scoring record, the away side are likely to get on the scoresheet. However, Shamrock’s quality should shine through.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Friday, with Shamrock ultimately coming out on top.