Shamrock Rovers will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table in Ireland when they head to relegation-battling Drogheda United on Friday evening.
Shamrock Rovers return to League of Ireland Premier Division action on Friday looking to strengthen their grip on top spot after their Champions League exit in midweek on aggregate despite recording a 2-1 home win over Ararat Armenia.
Stephen Bradley's side hold a seven-point lead at the top of the table and have won nine of their last 13 matches, with two defeats coming in European competition and only one in domestic league action.
They also boast an excellent recent record against Drogheda, winning four of the last six meetings, including a convincing 4-1 victory in May.
Drogheda have shown signs of improvement, taking four points from their last three league games, but they remain eighth and have failed to win any of their last four home league matches.
Shamrock's superior quality and strong record in this fixture make the visitors worthy favourites to take another important step towards the title.
Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers Tips Summary
Best Bet - Shamrock Rovers -1 on handicap @ 9/4
Alternative Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 1/1
Bet Builder - Shamrock Rovers to win, Aaron Greene anytime goalscorer & Over 9 corners @ 5/1
Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers Prediction
Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers -1 on handicap @ 9/4
Rovers look well placed to cover a one-goal handicap when they travel to Drogheda on Friday.
Stephen Bradley's side are seven points clear at the top of the table and have won six of their last nine matches, with both defeats coming in European competition.
They have also dominated this fixture, going 13 meetings unbeaten against Drogheda, winning 10 of those contests, including a comprehensive 4-1 success when the sides met in May.
Drogheda have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks but remain eighth in the table and are without a home league win in four matches.
Shamrock have scored 11 goals in their last four outings, while Jack Byrne continues to be one of the league's most creative players. With the title race entering its closing stages, the visitors have the quality to claim another convincing victory.
Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1/1
Over 2.5 goals looks an attractive option given the recent results for both sides.
Rovers have scored 11 goals in their last five matches and found the net 13 times in their last six league fixtures, although they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive games.
Their last meeting with Drogheda produced five goals in a convincing 4-1 victory for the league leaders.
Drogheda have become more threatening going forward, scoring eight goals in their last five matches, and they have found the net in each of their last three league games.
However, they have also conceded 43 goals in 25 league fixtures and have struggled to keep stronger opponents quiet.
With Shamrock chasing another step towards the title and Drogheda capable of contributing at home, another entertaining contest with at least three goals appeals at even money.
Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers Bet Builder Tip
- Shamrock Rovers to win
- Aaron Greene anytime goalscorer
- Over 9 corners
Pays 5/1
Rovers have enjoyed this fixture in recent seasons and another away win is the backbone of this Bet Builder.
Bradley's side are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Drogheda, winning 10, and remain firmly on course for another League of Ireland title.
Aaron Greene is expected to lead the line and has every chance of adding to his league tally having scored twice in his last three league appearances.
The experienced forward will have the creative talents of Jack Byrne and Adam Brennan supplying him against a Drogheda defence that has conceded 43 goals in 25 league matches.
The corners selection also appeals. Shamrock average 4.5 corners per away league game, while Drogheda average 4.3 at home.
With the visitors expected to dominate possession and the hosts capable of creating chances on the counter, the game has all the ingredients to produce at least 10 corners.
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Key Match Stats
- Shamrock Rovers are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Drogheda United, winning 10 and drawing three
- The Hoops have already beaten Drogheda 4-1 this season, while the other league meeting ended 0-0
- Stephen Bradley's side sit seven points clear at the top of the League of Ireland after collecting 50 points from 25 matches
- Drogheda have failed to win any of their last four home league matches, conceding eight goals during that run
- Shamrock have scored 11 goals in their last four matches, while Drogheda have netted eight in the same period
- Aaron Greene has scored in two of his last three league appearances for Shamrock Rovers
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
