Drogheda United -v- Shamrock Rovers
Credit:
Drogheda United welcome Shamrock Rovers to Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night for this Airtricity Premier Division encounter which should be an interesting gauge as to where both clubs stand as we move past the halfway stage of the season. (Kick-off 7.45pm).
The last time these sides met in Drogheda, Rovers ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in a facile victory. While the Tallaght faithful would no doubt love a repeat performance, Drogheda have improved since then and should be a position to mount a stiffer challenge this time round.
Victories in June over UCD and rivals Dundalk have allowed for a six point gap to develop between the Drogs and bottom placed Galway United. And while the Tribesmen are now prime relegation contenders, Mick Cooke’s charges will be eager to extend that lead.
It could also be argued that the home side will be aided by the fact Rovers will have to make do with only newly appointed assistant manager Jim Magilton’s voice on the sideline as Michael O’ Neill serves out his one match touchline ban.
However this is not something that Cooke believes will effect the Rovers players. Speaking to ExtraTime during the week he said: "At the end of the day they are professional players. They don't need their hand to be held. Jim (Magilton) was a great player and he has experience in the English league with both QPR and Ipswich town. So I'm sure they will be just as dangerous with him in charge."
Rovers’ attention returns to domestic matters after their spirited victory over Flora Tallinn in their Champions League Qualifier on Tuesday night. The reigning champions will have to do without goal scorer and man of the match Chris Turner as he continues to serve out his domestic three match suspension.
Outside of that, the only other absentee will be Karl Sheppard who misses out with an ankle injury.
While Rovers will be conscious of their return tie in Estonia on Tuesday, they should still field a strong side as they chase down Sligo Rovers who sit one point ahead of them at the top of the table. They will be equally eager to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat in Derry last week and should have too much for the Drogs once again.
Drogheda United
Injured: Jack Flynn and Colin O’Brien.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Karl Sheppard (ankle).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Chris Turner.
Referee: Neil Doyle.
PaddyPower match odds: Drogheda 10/1; Draw 1/4; Shamrock Rovers.
ExtraTime.ie prediction: A 2-0 win for the defending champions.
The last time these sides met in Drogheda, Rovers ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in a facile victory. While the Tallaght faithful would no doubt love a repeat performance, Drogheda have improved since then and should be a position to mount a stiffer challenge this time round.
Victories in June over UCD and rivals Dundalk have allowed for a six point gap to develop between the Drogs and bottom placed Galway United. And while the Tribesmen are now prime relegation contenders, Mick Cooke’s charges will be eager to extend that lead.
It could also be argued that the home side will be aided by the fact Rovers will have to make do with only newly appointed assistant manager Jim Magilton’s voice on the sideline as Michael O’ Neill serves out his one match touchline ban.
However this is not something that Cooke believes will effect the Rovers players. Speaking to ExtraTime during the week he said: "At the end of the day they are professional players. They don't need their hand to be held. Jim (Magilton) was a great player and he has experience in the English league with both QPR and Ipswich town. So I'm sure they will be just as dangerous with him in charge."
Rovers’ attention returns to domestic matters after their spirited victory over Flora Tallinn in their Champions League Qualifier on Tuesday night. The reigning champions will have to do without goal scorer and man of the match Chris Turner as he continues to serve out his domestic three match suspension.
Outside of that, the only other absentee will be Karl Sheppard who misses out with an ankle injury.
While Rovers will be conscious of their return tie in Estonia on Tuesday, they should still field a strong side as they chase down Sligo Rovers who sit one point ahead of them at the top of the table. They will be equally eager to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat in Derry last week and should have too much for the Drogs once again.
Drogheda United
Injured: Jack Flynn and Colin O’Brien.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Karl Sheppard (ankle).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Chris Turner.
Referee: Neil Doyle.
PaddyPower match odds: Drogheda 10/1; Draw 1/4; Shamrock Rovers.
ExtraTime.ie prediction: A 2-0 win for the defending champions.
About Sam Griffin
Sam joined Extratime for the 2011 season and is now the site's features editor. He is based in Dublin and covers all the clubs in the capital. He is also prone to the odd Drogheda … View Full Profile