Shamrock Rovers
- Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s are separated by just three points at the top of the Premier Division.
- Shamrock have won three and lost two of their last five Premier Division matches.
St Patrick’s Athletic
- St Patrick’s Athletic have lost only one of their last five (one win, three draws, one defeat).
- Kenny’s side are the most progressive side in Ireland right now, pressing relentlessly in a 4-3-3, transitioning quickly from attack to defense and vice-versa, with a direct forward, who gets chances to run at the defense.
Key Players
- Shamrock Rovers
- Graham Burke is Shamrock’s most reliable goal scorer and often steps up to the big moments in big games.
- Michael Noonan’s direct running and recent goals have added some dynamism up front to Rovers’ 3-5-2 system.
- Jack Byrne’s set pieces and creativity make him the main man for Rovers and Edward McGinty’s leadership in goal has been key to their success as it has allowed his defenders to play with confidence in a system that demands they get forward.
- St Patrick’s Athletic
- St Pat's Edmondson is their main goal threat as their top scorer and the focal point of Kenny’s attack.
- Zack Elbouzedi’s brace against Waterford shows he can be a game-changer.
- Chris Forrester is the heartbeat of St Pat's midfield.
Betting Insights
- St Pats have the players and structure to keep it tight, but Rovers will have home advantage and the advantage of a packed and passionate Tallaght Stadium.
- Shamrock are priced at 2.27 to win, while Saints are at 3.16 with a draw at 3.22.
- Both teams to score is just as tight (Yes: 1.89, No: 1.81) and the value here is in a correct score bet on Shamrock to edge the win.
Prediction
Rovers’ recent form has been patchy, winning three and losing two of their last five in the Premier Division, so we’re backing the hosts to edge this by a 2-1 margin in a result that will leave the door open for St Pats to upset the odds.
