Dundalk -v- Shamrock Rovers
Credit:
DUNDALK
It has been a winter of change at Oriel Park with huge changes both on and off the pitch. New owners have come in and appointed a new manager, Stephen Kenny, who has formed a new team for the Lilywhites. Some exciting signings such as Richie Towell, John Dillon and Kurtis Byrne ensures that the club are unlikely to find themselves in the dire straits of last season.
Pre-season has been a building process for the new management and squad. They have used each game to get used to each other and it appears to have gone well. Winning four of seven matches, losing one and drawing two.
Kenny has assembled an entirely new squad and for the first match of the season he has no injury or suspension worries. Tiarnan Mulvenna has recovered from the hamstring problem he suffered in pre-season and Chris Shields has been given the go ahead following a knee injury. John Sullivan picked up a minor ankle knock last Friday evening but will be fit.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com before the match, manager Kenny is appealing for the home crowd to pack Oriel Park and he also expressed his hope that his side can bring their form from pre-season into Friday.
“A full house on Friday evening would be ideal. It’s great to have the big local support, they’re passionate which is a good thing. “
“We’re all feeling good. It will be a tough game and it won’t be easy but the players are up for it. We have a fully fit squad, we’re ready and we are hoping we can carry our form from pre-season into Friday night.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
It has also been a winter of change at Shamrock Rovers to some degree. Trevor Croly has come in as manager and they have brought in some top quality signings, including a few returning for second spells. With Ronan Finn already on board, the Hoops decided to add the other three PFAI Player of the Year nominees, including winner Mark Quigley, Sean O’Connor and Jason McGuinness. James Chambers also rejoins Rovers as does Shane Robinson. These are only a few but the squad looks formidable.
Pre-season has been a success and the Tallaght outfit already have three competitive matches under their belt in the Setanta Cup. They have reached the quarter-finals where they beat Linfield 4-1 in the first leg and they beat Coleraine over two legs in the first round. Their record in their remaining matches has been two wins and two losses.
For the match at Oriel Park, the visitors will definitely be without Sean O’Connor and Ken Oman, from suspensions that carry over from last year. Former Lilywhite Mark Quigley will be assessed before the match as he is suffering from a calf problem.
Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of the match, manager Croly said he is looking forward to the season and believes the Setanta Cup match against Linfield last Monday is perfect preparation for Dundalk.
“Monday night was a great game for us to have ahead of the start of the season. We knew it would be a tough game, and it was one we needed to win. It turned out to be great preparation for us going into the Dundalk game.
“The Setanta Cup has been very exciting for us so far, but the league kicking-off is what we have been waiting for. We’re very much looking forward to the game up in Oriel Park, and we will be looking to make a good start. We’re all very keen to get going.”
Referee: Dave McKeon
MATCH STATS
Both sides have former players in their respective squads – Dundalk have Aaron Shanahan and Stephen O’Donnell – who scored that penalty kick to put Shamrock Rovers into the group stage of the Europa League – while Rovers have two former Dundalk Player of the Year winners in Mark Quigley (2011) and Derek Foran (2012) who both spent a season at Oriel Park.
Dundalk will be looking for their first win against Shamrock Rovers since they beat the Hoops 5-1 at Oriel Park in September 2010. Rovers will be looking for just their second win at Oriel Park since October 2009. Their last win was a 2-1 victory in September 2011.
Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers face off in the opening round of fixtures for the third time in the last ten years and 15th in total.
BETTING
Dundalk 9/2; Draw 11/4; Shamrock Rovers 4/7.
PREDICTION
Going for an entertaining score draw. 2-2.
Dundalk
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Mark Quigley.
Suspended: Sean O’Connor and Ken Oman.
