There is a full fixture list to look forward to in the 2019 League of Ireland Premier Division on Friday night. However, one match stands head and shoulders above the others this week as Shamrock Rovers entertain Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.
This is a match between first and second in the league. Shamrock Rovers are the team in second place on 44 points while the defending champions, Dundalk sit top of the league on 49 points having played the same number of games. This should be a great match.
Shamrock Rovers would have liked to come into the match following a victory but they suffered a 2-1 loss last time out at Bohemians. It was not a huge shock considering Bohemians are third in the table but it was a disappointment nonetheless.
Trends show that defeat was the first for Shamrock Rovers in their last five league games. Prior to the loss they beat UCD and Finn Harps away plus Cork City at home. However, before the defeat at Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers were held at home by Derry City in a 2-2 draw.
Shamrock Rovers have a strong home record and they have lost only three of their last twenty-two home matches. They have won by two or more goals in ten of their last seventeen at home and have scored 2 or more goals in eight of their last elven League of Ireland Premier Division games at Tallaght Stadium.
Dundalk are in good form and travel to Dublin having won each of their last seven games in all competitions. Six of the wins have come in the league and Dundalk have defeated Bohemians, Cork City and Finn Harps away from home plus Bohemians, St Patricks Athletic and Sligo Rovers at home.
Trends show Dundalk are unbeaten in their least twelve league matches. They have won eleven and drawn one of those twelve games. They have won all of their last five on the road and have scored 2 or more goals in each of those matches. Dundalk have also won each of their last five away league games by 2 goals or more and could not be entering this match in much better form.
🙌 The champions return to @SSEAirtricityLg action this week when they take on Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, 28 June. Tickets on sale now from Oriel Park.#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/TXlecpQRD0— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) June 24, 2019
🙌 The champions return to @SSEAirtricityLg action this week when they take on Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, 28 June. Tickets on sale now from Oriel Park.#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/TXlecpQRD0
Looking ahead to the team news and Shamrock Rovers will definitely be without Sam Bone who has a hamstring injury. Aaron McEneff has a thigh injury and is rated as being doubtful.
Dundalk could have up to three players missing with Cameron Dummigan, Jamie McGrath and Robbie Benson all hoping to recover in time for the game. The league’s top goal scorer, Patrick Hoban, is set to start up-front.
This should be a hugely entertaining game and both teams could get on the scoresheet. However, Dundalk are in the better form and could came away with the win.