Shamrock Rovers seek to extend their lead at the top of the table at Oriel Park on Friday night against the out of form Lilywhites.
Dundalk’s early season rampage has started to tail off in recent weeks after 4 games without a win. Ciaran Kilduff’s side have been beaten in their last two home games, which were both against Dublin opposition in Shelbourne and Bohemians.
The Shamrock Rovers juggernaut is proving difficult for anyone to stop at the moment. The Hoops have 1 6 of their last 7 but are still only 3 points clear of closest challengers St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Key Information
Kickoff: 20:00
Where to watch: Virgin Media Two
Referee: Rob Harvey
Betting Odds: Dundalk @9/5, Draw @23/10, Shamrock Rovers @5/4
Team News
The injuries have been mounting for Ciaran Kilduff and his staff all season. Conor Kearns and Danny Mullen have been long term absentees and will continue to be. Vinnie Leonard is recovering from a serious virus he picked up that has ruled him out of action for the majority of the season. Mayowa Animasahun missed the Bohs game due to injury. On a more positive note, Albanian striker Leo Gaxha has been reintroduced to the squad after his long injury lay off
Stephen Bradley has gotten a few bodies back recently with Dan Cleary, Lee Grace and Dylan Watts all back in the squad in recent weeks. The Hoops boss said in Galway last week that it was unlikely that he would risk rushing Pico Lopes back from injury before the World Cup so the returning Lee Grace is likely to step in for him for the foreseeable. Danny Grant has been out of action for the last 3 games but it remains to be seen whether he’ll make the trip to County Louth on Friday evening.
Key Statistics
Dundalk have outperformed their Xg by 0.35 so far this season.
Dundalk games average 3.27 goals per match this season, the joint second highest in the league.
Rovers have won 3 of their last 6 meetings against The Lilywhites.
Key Players
Gbemi Arubi has been one of the biggest breakout stars in the LOI so far this season. The striker has gotten a run of games under his belt since Danny Mullen picked up an injury and has undoubtedly impressed, showing a wide range of skills that isn’t just putting the ball in the back of the net.
Tunmise Sobowale has arguably been the signing of the season. The St. Mirren loanee has been a constant in what can often be an ever changing Shamrock Rovers XI. Hoops manager Stephen Bradley told LOI Talk last week that “positive talks” had taken place with St. Mirren about extending the defender’s stay with the double winners.
Previous Meetings
23/2/26 Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk
27/10/24 Dundalk 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
4/7/24 Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
17/5/24 Dundalk 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
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