Shamrock Rovers welcome Derry City to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night in a repeat of the 2026 Presidents Cup final.
It’s been the slow, inconsistent start to the season that we’ve become accustomed to with Shamrock Rovers again in 2026. An opening night victory over St. Pats was followed up by a disappointing home draw to newly promoted Dundalk and a flattering 3-2 defeat in the Dublin Derby against a Bohemians side that Stephen Bradley cannot seem to conquer.
Derry fans came into the season with high expectations, and with 4 consecutive home games to kickstart their season, people were expecting a fast start. However, a last gasp equaliser against Dundalk and a 1-0 defeat to Bohs put Tiernan Lynch and his players under big pressure going into the their game against Waterford. After Tommy Lonergan put the Blues 2-0 up after 50 minutes, the pressure was only mounting on the Candystripes but a Michael Duffy inspired comeback spared their blushes as they went on to win 4-2 to leave them on 7 points after 4 games.
Key Information
Where to watch: LOI TV
Kickoff: 20:00
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers@ 5/4, Draw@ 11/5, Derry City@2/1
Team News
Rory Gaffney and Max Kovaleskis are both said to be nearing a return but it remains to be seen if this game comes too soon. Malaece Asamoah is still suspended.
Brian Maher is a long term absentee for Tiernan Lynch’s side. He’s been missing since the opening game of the season after fracturing his wrist. The former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Eddie Beach would be expected to continue to deputise for Maher in the between the sticks. Liam Boyce is still out.
Key Statistics
Derry have failed to win their opening away game of the season in each of the last 3 seasons.
No team in LOI history has ever had to wait until their 5th game of the season to play their first away game before Derry City this year.
Key Players
Graham Burke will go down as one of the greatest ever LOI players for his knack of coming up with big moments in big games when his team needs him most. In a game where The Hoops must respond, the Irish international is capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and being the difference maker against one of Rovers’ title rivals.
Like Graham Burke, Michael Duffy is a proven matchwinner who has bailed his team out on many occasions, most recently last Friday night against Waterford. The former Dundalk man has delivered goals everywhere he’s gone and if Derry are to be successful this season, Duffy will undoubtedly have a vital role to play.
Previous Meetings
31/1/26 Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Derry City
26/10/25 Derry City 2-1 Shamrock Rovers
3/8/25 Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Derry City
23/5/25 Derry City 1-2 Shamrock Rovers