Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers predictions for this Irish Premier Division affair. Both aiming to rebound from recent defeats, Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers clash at United Park on Friday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
League of Ireland Premier | Gameweek 18 – May 31, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at United Park (Drogheda)
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Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions
Shamrock Rovers Seek Redemption Against Struggling Drogheda United
Key Stats
– Shamrock Rovers average 63.5% possession per game, highlighting their control in matches.
– Drogheda United have conceded 30 goals in 17 matches, underscoring their defensive issues.
– Aaron Greene has scored eight goals for Shamrock Rovers this season, making him their top scorer.
As Drogheda United prepare to host Shamrock Rovers at United Park, both teams are looking to recover from recent setbacks. Drogheda are fighting to climb out of the relegation playoff zone, while Shamrock Rovers aim to close the gap on the top two in the League of Ireland Premier Division. This analysis will delve into the key aspects of the match, examining team performances, player duels, tactical approaches, and making data-driven predictions.
Match Preview
Drogheda United return to their home ground with a mission to reverse their fortunes after a challenging first half of the season. Currently placed ninth, Kevin Doherty’s side have secured only 15 points from 17 matches, winning just three games while suffering eight defeats. Their recent form has been particularly troubling, with consecutive losses to Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic in April and early May.
Despite a dramatic 2-1 victory over Dundalk, where Hayden Cann scored a late winner, Drogheda have struggled to build momentum, adding just one more point in their last three outings. Most recently, they squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 against Waterford, highlighting defensive frailties that need urgent addressing.
Shamrock Rovers, meanwhile, are also in search of a return to form. The reigning champions, aiming for a fifth consecutive title, find themselves nine points adrift of the top spot after 19 matches. Despite a promising position earlier in the season, a significant dip in form has seen them collect only six points from their last six games.
Stephen Bradley’s team have endured disappointing results, including losses to Waterford and bottom-placed Dundalk. A recent 1-0 win over Derry City offered some respite, but a subsequent 2-0 defeat to league leaders Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium has compounded their struggles.
Team News and Lineups
Drogheda United are likely to field a similar lineup to the one that faced Waterford. Frantz Pierrot, who has netted five goals since joining from Athlone Town, will lead the attack, supported by Darragh Markey and wingers Zishim Bawa and Adam Foley. In midfield, 19-year-old Lincoln City loanee Oisin Gallagher might displace Ryan Brennan to partner Gary Deegan, while Jack Keaney could return to the defence alongside David Webster and Hayden Cann.
Shamrock Rovers have selection headaches, particularly in defence, with Roberto Lopes suspended after receiving a red card against Shelbourne. Injuries to Daniel Cleary and Josh Honohan further complicate matters. Neil Farrugia and Trevor Clarke may drop back into a four-man defence, with Lee Grace likely to start if Cleary and Honohan are unavailable. Aaron McEneff is expected to push for a starting role in midfield, while Aaron Greene, the team’s top scorer with eight goals, is set to lead the line alongside Johnny Kenny.
Analysis of Expected Gameplay
Drogheda United’s strategy will likely focus on tightening their defence while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. Their season has been marred by defensive lapses, having conceded 30 goals, and they will need to address this if they hope to secure points. Their attacking play has shown promise, with 19 goals scored, but maintaining leads has been problematic.
Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, will aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through their high passing accuracy and superior ball control. They average 63.5% possession per game, indicating their ability to control the tempo. However, recent defensive issues have undermined their efforts, and they will need to shore up their backline to avoid further slip-ups.
Key Player Duels
The midfield battle between Gary Deegan of Drogheda and Aaron McEneff of Shamrock Rovers will be crucial. Deegan’s defensive capabilities and McEneff’s creative prowess could dictate the flow of the game. In attack, Frantz Pierrot for Drogheda and Aaron Greene for Shamrock Rovers will be key figures, with both players looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Drogheda United’s Strengths:
- Their ability to score crucial goals, demonstrated by late winners in previous matches.
- Frantz Pierrot’s scoring form, which provides a focal point for their attack.
Drogheda United’s Weaknesses:
- Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in maintaining leads.
- Inconsistent performances, reflected in their low points tally.
Shamrock Rovers’ Strengths:
- High possession and passing accuracy, allowing them to control games.
- A potent attack, with 27 goals scored, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Shamrock Rovers’ Weaknesses:
- Recent defensive issues, exacerbated by injuries and suspensions.
- Inconsistent form, with crucial points dropped against lower-ranked teams.
Managerial Insights
Kevin Doherty’s tenure at Drogheda has been marked by an urgent need to address defensive weaknesses while trying to build a cohesive unit capable of staying up. Stephen Bradley, despite his past successes, faces criticism for Shamrock Rovers’ recent slump and must find ways to reinvigorate his squad to remain in the title race.
Expected Goals Averages
Drogheda’s expected goals (xG) suggest a reliance on key moments and counter-attacks, which aligns with their scoring record of 1.1 goals per game. Shamrock Rovers’ xG indicates their offensive potential, with a higher rate of creating and converting chances, averaging 1.4 goals per game.
Predictions
Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers to Win an Both Teams To Score
Despite their recent form and defensive concerns, Shamrock Rovers’ overall quality and depth suggest they have the edge. Their need to close the gap at the top will drive them to secure a crucial win, even if they might struggle to keep a clean sheet.
Correct Score Prediction: Drogheda United 1-3 Shamrock Rovers
Considering Shamrock Rovers’ superior attack and Drogheda’s defensive issues, a 3-1 victory for the visitors aligns with both teams’ current form and statistics.
Goalscorer Prediction: Aaron Greene to Score
Aaron Greene, with eight goals this season, is Shamrock Rovers’ main attacking threat. His ability to find the net makes him a strong candidate to score in this match.
First Team to Score: Shamrock Rovers
Given their offensive capabilities and Drogheda’s defensive frailties, Shamrock Rovers are likely to open the scoring.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target – Shamrock Rovers Over 6.5
Shamrock Rovers average 5.6 shots on target per game. Considering Drogheda’s defensive weaknesses, Rovers are likely to exceed this average.
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