Shamrock Rovers hope to kick off their 2026 campaign this Friday against South Dublin rivals St Pats in “The Luas derby.”
Shamrock Rovers only have the one game to show this season as they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Derry City in the presidents cup. They were due to face Dundalk in Tallaght Stadium on the opening night of the league but it was postponed to Monday the 23rd of February.
Next up was supposed to be their first Dublin derby of the season with a trip to Tolka Park called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The Hoops are looking to make a start on their title defence this Friday.
St Pats also only have one game to their name this season with their season opener against Bohemians in the Aviva Stadium where it was a 0-0 stalemate. From that game you could tell it was the first game of the season as both teams did not look sharp.
Following that Stephen Kenny’s men were supposed to face Galway United at home in Richmond Park until it was postponed until a later date due to a waterlogged pitch.
Key Information
Kick Off: Friday 20th February @ 19:45
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers @ 6/5. Draw @ 2/1. St Pats @ 23/10
Referee: Robert Harvey
Team News
Shamrock Rovers are without Danny Mandroui , Max Kovalevskis and Rory Gaffney all out injured. Jake Mulraney is set to start against his former club, where he will make to look an impact to a presumably hostile crowd.
St Pats are without Max Mata and Simon Power both injured. Darragh Nugent will be returning to Tallaght to face his former club where he played for 5 years.
Key Players
For Shamrock Rovers, although he was not in great form for St Pats towards the latter end of last season, Jake Mulraney is a constant threat when on form, Pats fans will have fond memories of his debut winner in 2022 and his brace in 2024. He looked sharp against Derry City in the presidents cup so fans are hoping for him to carry that momentum.
For St Pats, the man of the match against Bohemians Joseph Anang has been rock solid between the sticks for the Saints since returning during the 2024 season. He has kept Stephen Kenny’s Saints out of trouble numerous times including against Bohemians where his incredible 1v1 save versus Conor Parsons kept the game level.
Previous Meetings
17/10/2025 St Pats 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
19/05/2025 Shamrock Rovers 4-0 St Pats
18/04/2025 St Pats 2-2 Shamrock Rovers
07/03/2025 Shamrock Rovers 1-0 St Pats