Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder

In a clash of top versus bottom in the League of Ireland's Premier Division, title favourites Shamrock Rovers welcome relegation-haunted Cork City to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

Stephen Bradley’s Rovers have been in superb form, going unbeaten in their last 10 games and scoring freely, while Gerard Nash’s Cork City arrive entrenched in the relegation zone with no victory in their last seven.

Rovers’ attacking prowess has been on full display, netting at least twice in seven of their last eight outings, and they will be confident of extending that run against a Cork defence that has shipped 13 goals in their last six matches.

The visitors, meanwhile, are now 10 points from safety after a run of five defeats and a draw in their last six Premier Division matches.

Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City Tips Summary

Market	Tip	Odds
Match Result	Shamrock Rovers	27/100
Best Bet	Shamrock Rovers to win & Over 2.5 Goals	20/21
Bet Builder	Sharmrock Rovers to win, Over 3 Goals & Graham Burke to score anytime	15/4

Key Match Stats

• Shamrock Rovers are unbeaten in their last 10 league games, scoring 19 and conceding just seven
• Cork City have lost five of their last six games, conceding 13 and scoring seven
• Rovers have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight matches
• Cork City have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 away games
• Two of the last three meetings between the clubs have ended in draws, but Rovers have won six of the last seven matches at Tallaght

Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City Prediction

Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers to win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 20/21

All signs point to a comfortable night for the hosts with Rovers’ attacking play likely to be too sharp for the visitors.

In-form forwards Graham Burke and Aaron Greene both found the net in the Hoops’ midweek win over third-placed Drogheda.

And Bradley’s side were rarely tested in the second half of the clash, despite having made widespread changes.

The Rovers boss is blessed with a big squad full of players who can slot in and out of the side seamlessly.

They have dominated at home this season, winning six of their 10 league games at Tallaght, losing just once, and the hosts can exploit Cork City’s defensive frailties and lack of firepower on the road. 

Cork’s best hope lies with Sean Maguire, but he has had little service in recent weeks and is up against a defence that has conceded just 18 goals all season.

Simon Barlow says:

Shamrock Rovers are hitting their stride at just the right time and should have too much quality for a Cork City side low on confidence. Expect the champions to dominate and rack up another convincing home win.

Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City Bet Builder Tip

• Shamrock Rovers to win
• Over 3 Goals
• Graham Burke to Score
  
  Pays: 15/4

Rovers’ attacking form and Cork’s defensive woes make a home win with goals a strong combination.

Burke is in fine form and looks a likely scorer against a side that has struggled to keep the ball out of their net.

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With Rovers in rampant form and Cork City struggling for both points and confidence, the hosts look set to take another step towards the title in front of their home fans,

Simon Barlow adds.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site.

Tactics, Form and Team News

Bradley made seven changes in midweek and could freshen up his line-up again with potential recalls for Daniel Cleary in defence, Danny Mandroiu in midfield and Rory Gaffney in attack.

The Hoops are still without Adam Matthews through injury, but have no suspension issues for the clash.

Expected Shamrock Rovers lineup (3-5-2): Pohls; Grace, Cleary, Honohan; O’Sullivan, Healy, Mandroiu, Watts, Gaffney; Burke, Greene.

Cork City are likely to go with a 4-4-2 set-up, hoping Maguire can provide a spark up front, but their main focus will be on trying to stay compact and frustrate the hosts.

Expected Cork City lineup (4-4-2): Troost; Crowley, Lyons, Anderson, Mbeng; Murray, McLaughlin, Fitzpatrick, O’Sullivan; Maguire, Daniels.

View the full market and more odds for Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City on site.

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.