Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk
Football: League Of Ireland Premier Division
Sunday 21st March Kick Off 3.45pm

---

Shamrock Rovers enjoyed their best season last season since winning the title last in 1994 when finshing runners up to Bohs by only 4 points. They are many people's favourites this season but they have managed only 1 point from their opening 2 games. The loss of star player Gary Twigg who was the leagues top scorer last season and player of the year through injury for the opening few weeks of the season will be a big loss and they have felt it already, while his strike partner from last year Dessie Baker also remains out with a broken arm. They also had a number of suspended players for the opening 2 games, most of who return for this game.

They lost 2-0 at home to St Patricks on Tuesday night. It was very much a smash and grab win from St Pats who scored from 2 set pieces and played second fiddle to Rovers who dominated possession for most of the game. However Rovers did lack a cutting edge up front and failed to trouble the St Pats goal very much. But Rovers know they must win this one as leaders Bohs have 3 wins from 3 as do St Pats who both won on Friday night and have 9 points, while Rovers are on 1 point from 2 games. Even at this early stage Boss Michael O Neill will feel this is a must win.

Dundalk have enjoyed a good start with 4 points from 2 games. At Bray in the first game of the season they scored an injury time winner to win 1-0. However Bray who are favourites for relegation had the better of the game and missed a penalty early in the game. Last week Dundalk drew 2-2 at home to rivals Drogheda after being 2-0 down at half time and it could have been more. However they made a spirited fight back in the second half.

A couple of stats certainly dont favour Dundalk in this game. Dundalk have not beaten Rovers since September 1997, which is 17 games ago. Also even more worrying is that Dundalk have not beaten a side from Dublin since September 2001, which is 23 games in total, with 17 defeats and 6 draws in total. Dundalk have lost a couple of their better players from last season including Alex Williams to St Patricks Athletic and Thomas Heary who followed former Boss Sean Connor to Galway. However they did sign the experienced Neale Fenn who had fallen out of favour at champions Bohs.

VERDICT

SHAMROCK ROVERS TO WIN. Dundalk's good start has flattered them a little and Rovers despite the slow start are still a top side and cant afford to fall further behind Bohs even at this early stage, they should win this. Rovers are excellent value at 10/11 in paddy powers.

The Pick :

Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

SHAMROCK ROVERS TO WIN