Shamrock Rovers v Derry City
Football: Republic of Ireland, Premier League
Sunday, 2nd August 2009 - Kickoff 7PM.
(Live On Setanta Ireland)

---

SHAMROCK ROVERS (2nd - Home : W6 D2 L2)

Rovers came through another test off their title crudentials last Sunday as they fought hard for a 0-0 draw at arch rivals and league leaders Bohemians. It proved that Rovers can fight till the end against the champions and much fancied Bohs side in the title race. Before that game Rovers had won 4 games in a row and have now gone 11 league games unbeaten.

Its been a terrific season for the Dublin club in their first season in their new ground. Not many expected them to challenge for honours but they have been excellent and a victory over Derry City here would leave them only 3 points behind Bohs who only drew against Drogheda on Friday night. It would also almost certainly end Derry's title challenge.

Boss Michael O Neill will be without Defender Ian Bermingham and winger Ollie Cahill for this game. He will also be without midfielder Stephen Rice who has been outstanding this season and was Rovers best player in the recent friendly against Real Madrid. But Rovers still have a strong enough squad to cover these positions and will be confident of a win on Sunday.

ROVERS LAST 5 GAMES
ROVERS 1-0 GALWAY
ST PATS 1-2 ROVERS
BRAY 1-2 ROVERS
ROVERS 3-1 SLIGO
BOHS 0-0 ROVERS

DERRY CITY (4th - Away Rec : W5 D2 L3 )

Derry are sitting 11 points behind leaders Bohs and 5 behind opponent Shamrock Rovers. They cannot afford to lose this one or their title challenge may be all but over. A few weeks ago Derry were on a great run and looked to be Bohs main title challengers. However they have slipped up badly in recent weeks.

They have failed to win in their last 4 games and only got 1 point from those games. But they have had better luck in their European games. They defeated Skonto Riga in the Europa Cup and went to Sofia on Thursday to face CSKA and lost only 1-0.

They travelled back to Derry yesterday and will make the journey to Dublin early on Sunday. It is possible the travelling and playing alot of matches in the last couple of weeks could take its toll. It certainly has affected their league form in recent weeks.

Derry did beat Rovers here earlier in the season 2-1 and then drew 0-0 in Derry. But they face a much better and more confident Rovers side on Sunday evening. Stephen Kennys side should be at full strength for this vital clash.

DERRY CITY LAST 5 GAMES
Derry 2-0 Bray
Dundalk 1-0 Derry
Derry 0-1 Drogheda
Bohs 1-0 Derry
Derry 1-1 Cork

THE Betting VERDICT

Rovers are in great form and I expect them to continue winning.

The Pick :

Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Derry City

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take SHAMROCK ROVERS TO WIN at 11/10.