LOI TV Commentator Kieran Burke previews the live TV game on Thursday, as Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division (KO 20:00, Virgin Media Two).
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Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United resume league duties following the lengthy international break. Despite the recent pause, this fixture has become shrouded in controversy, with Shamrock Rovers’ title rivals, Bohemians, enforcing a media blackout ahead of Monday’s title race six-pointer against Rovers in protest at the league’s decision to bring this game forward by 24 hours to allow live TV coverage.
With Bohemians in FAI Cup semi-final action on Friday, the Gypsies will now have 24 hours less rest than Rovers when the sides meet at the Tallaght Stadium on Monday in what is the biggest game of the entire League of Ireland season so far.
If those circumstances weren’t dramatic enough, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley had been heavily linked with the Hibernian job in Scotland during the international break. The Hoops must now refocus their minds on trying to improve their form for the title run-in, with Shamrock Rovers claiming just one win from their last eight games in all competitions. However, that win did come in their final game before the interval, a 3-2 victory here against high-flying Waterford FC.
Drogheda United kept themselves active during the break with a trip to Turkey to face Trabzonspor in a glamour friendly. While the hosts were without many of their star players, such as Mo Salah, Drogheda should still take great encouragement from their 1-0 win.
The Louth men had won two of their final three league games before the break and were unlucky to be undone by a late goal at Dalymount Park last time out in the league. As a result, Drogheda United carry the stronger form into Thursday’s tie.
Despite a poor run of results of late, Shamrock Rovers remain a tough nut to crack at home, with Sligo Rovers’ shock 2-1 win here in May the last time the champions were beaten in front of their own supporters.
Drogheda United have been difficult to beat on their travels of late, with the last-gasp defeat at Dalymount Park their only defeat in the last six competitive away days. However, the Boynesiders have not won at Tallaght Stadium since 2023, which slightly tempers enthusiasm.
While most people’s attention will be on the title ramifications surrounding this game, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Drogheda United still find themselves occupying the relegation play-off place. A point would be enough for the Drogs to climb out of that dreaded ninth position, and with Shamrock Rovers not carrying the same fear factor as years gone by, United may be able to come away with the result they desire.
Team News
Shamrock Rovers remain without Danny Grant, Danny Mandroiu and Victor Ozhianvuna through injuries.
Owen Lambe has missed the entire season through injury for Drogheda and misses out again, while his fellow American, Keegan Ancelin, has missed the past four matches and may be unavailable once more.
BEST BET: Drogheda United draw no bet (9/2)
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United odds: 2/5 Shamrock Rovers, 27/4 Drogheda United, 7/2 the draw
