Shamrock Rovers host Pats’ on Friday evening in a huge Dublin Derby that may have big implications on the title race.
Shamrock Rovers had been on a sticky run of form with back to back defeats before Monday’s last gasp Dublin Derby triumph at Dalymount.
St.Pats haven’t been able to capitalise on the league leaders dropping points of late. The Saints have only managed 1 win in their last 5 games but are still in touch with Rovers at the top.
Key Information
Kickoff: 20:00
Where to watch: Virgin Media Two
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers @6/5, Draw @21/10, St.Patrick’s Athletic @2/1
Team News
Victor Ozhianvuna was forced off in the second half of Monday’s derby and Stephen Bradley confirmed that he’ll be missing for Friday and will also likely miss out on an U21 callup during the break. The Rovers boss also said that he will decide whether Ed McGinty is available for Friday after the Ireland match on Thursday night.
Stephen Kenny’s preparation would have also been hindered by international call ups as Joey Anang has already gone to meet up with the Ghana squad ahead of the World Cup. Simon Power is the only other absentee.
Key Statistics
St Pats have been beaten both times against Rovers so far this season.
These 2 teams are the highest scorers in the league, averaging 1.68 and 1.72 goals per game respectively.
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Key Players
Dylan Watts has sometimes gone under the radar this season after a fabulous last couple of seasons, particularly in 2024 when he excelled domestically and in Europe. He has struggled with injuries this term but with Ozhianvuna, the midfielder will have a big responsibility to perform in this crunch Dublin Derby.
Ryan Edmondson was brought in as a stopgap signing in the off-season when Max Mata and Aidan Keena got injured in preseason but even with those two back, the Englishman is still keeping his place as the number 9 in Stephen Kenny’s team. The former Leeds player is the top scorer in the league so far with 8 goals.
Previous Meetings
10/4/26 St.Patrick’s Athletic 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
20/2/26 Shamrock Rovers 2-0 St.Patrick’s Athletic
17/10/25 St.Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 Shamrock Roverz
19/5/25 Shamrock Rovers 4-0 St.Patrick’s Athletic