Shamrock Rovers v Galway United
Football: League Of Ireland Premier Division
Friday 7th May Kick Off 8pm

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Shamrock Rovers were in the news for the wrong reasons on Monday night as their game with Dundalk was held up for 7 minutes due to crowd trouble involving a section of their supporters. It was a bad night all round for them as they lost 2-1 to the surprise league leaders and their 8 match unbeaten run came to an end. It was such a shame for Rovers as they had beaten St Patricks Athletic 2-1 away from home just 3 days earlier in probably their best performance of the season so far.

Rovers started slow this season but had been on a terrific run before Monday. They had been missing several players through injury and suspension and key players such as strikers Gary Twigg and Dessie Baker have returned in recent weeks and are almost back to full fitness, so we can expect Rovers to be finding the net more over the coming weeks and Twigg has already netted 4 times in 5 games since his comeback. New striker Tom Stewart had been getting stick after his poor form in his first few games for the club but his two superb goals at St Patricks Athletic have definitely boosted his confidence. Despite Mondays loss, things are still looking up for Michael O Neill's side.

Galway United have done quite well this season and are well on course to remain in the Premier Division as survival would certainly be their primary aim, they currently sit in 7th position which is fourth from bottom. They beat bottom side Bray 2 weeks ago and remain 11 points ahead of them and 9 points ahead of second from bottom Drogheda, the position which will require a play off with the runners up of the First Division. Last week Galway drew 0-0 at home to Sligo Rovers in a game where they have their keeper Barry Ryan to thank after he made a string of fine saves to earn his side a point. Galway were missing several key players in that game as Sligo dominated the game and they would have been happy with the point.

Boss Sean Connor may be able to call on midfielders Stephen O Donnell, Bobby Ryan and Anto Flood to return but will still be missing a few players as his side faces an injury crisis. Galway have only lost once on the road this season in their 4 games. They have not lost in their last 3 which included a win over Bohemians by a 3-2 scorline, although Bohemians had 2 players sent off late in the game Galway will certainly make a fight of it despite being underdogs.

VERDICT

Despite Rovers defeat on Monday, they have been playing much better in recent weeks and with the return of vital players they should see off the challenge of Galway. ROVERS TO WIN which is at 8/13.

The Pick :

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Galway United

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

SHAMROCK ROVERS TO WIN