Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Prediction: 1/1 for routine home success

Shamrock Rovers have held first place in the League of Ireland Premier Division for the last three weeks and they will be aiming to boost their title prospects by taking maximum points against struggling Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

The completion of matchday 18 will mark the halfway point of the season and, to this point, it has been a largely productive campaign for Rovers, who have amassed 34 points from 17 fixtures.

However, Stephen Bradley's side will be looking to bounce back after the disappointment of last Friday’s 1-0 loss away to fourth-placed Dundalk.

That result opened the door for second-placed St Patrick's Athletic, although the opportunity was squandered by the Red Army, who succumbed 1-0 at home to mid-table Shelbourne.

While Shamrock Rovers are three points clear at the top and focusing on a title charge, Sligo face a scrap to hold onto their League of Ireland status.

The Bit O’Red sit ninth in the 10-team division and are likely to be lacking in confidence after a four-game winless run.

Sligo's problems persisted last Saturday as they suffered a 4-1 loss at home to Galway United.

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Tips Summary

Best Bet - Shamrock Rovers win to nil @ 1/1
Alternative Bet - Shamrock Rovers to win 2-0 @ 5/1
Bet Builder - Graham Burke to score anytime, Under 4 goals & Over 8 corners @ 9/2

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Prediction

Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers win to nil @ 1/1

Keeping clean sheets has been a key factor for Shamrock Rovers, who have the best defensive record (14 conceded) in the division.

Bradley’s well-drilled side have racked up seven shutouts and a win-to-nil looks likely against Sligo, who have netted just four times on their top-flight travels.

Sligo have struggled to replace centre-forward Owen Elding, who was sold to Hibernian off the back of his 12-goal contribution last season.

They have failed to score on five of their last seven road trips and could struggle against Shamrock, who can ease to a fairly routine, albeit unspectacular success.

Alternative Bet: Shamrock Rovers to win 2-0 @ 5/1

Shamrock Rovers may achieve a repeat of the 2-0 scoreline they secured on their trip to Sligo a shade over two months ago.

The leaders have posted a trio of 2-0 league wins and a fourth could be incoming.

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Bet Builder Tip

• Graham Burke to score anytime

• Under 4 goals

• Over 8 corners

  Pays 9/2

Rovers have assembled an experienced squad featuring former Republic of Ireland internationals Enda Stevens and Graham Burke.

Veteran left back Stevens has helped to marshal a solid defence which has conceded just 14 goals in 17 league games.

But the bigger influence on this week's fixture could be attacking midfielder Burke, who has netted five times in his last eight appearances.

Burke has found the net in each of Shamrock’s last three home games and looks a likely match winner against Sligo, who may come with a defensive mindset.

Keeping things tight and respectable will probably be the aim for Sligo, who drew 0-0 at Shelbourne on their last road trip.

However, they are sure to come under intense pressure from a Shamrock Rovers side eager to return to winning ways.

A front-foot display can be expected from the hosts, who should enjoy plenty of possession and territory.

Sligo are conceding an average of seven corners per league game, so it looks a reasonable call to back in excess of eight total flag kicks.

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Key Match Stats

• Shamrock Rovers have won seven of their eight home league games

• Shamrock have started the scoring in each of their last three home fixtures

• Seven of Sligo’s last eight games have featured less than four goals

• Sligo have lost five of their eight away league fixtures

• Sligo have failed to score in nine of 17 league games this season

• Shamrock have won six of their last seven home matches against Sligo

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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.