The league’s top two sides, Derry and Shamrock Rovers, meet at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in the Irish Premier Division on Friday, 23 May. Read our Irish Premier Division predictions for the contest below.
Contents
- 1 Derry vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: Margins could be slim in top of the table clash
- 2 Pre-game odds and win probability: Derry are slight favourites
- 3 Most recent H2Hs: Recent matches have been tight
- 4 Derry preview: Whyte and Boyce should start
- 5 Shamrock Rovers preview: Could Noonan provide inspiration?
- 6 Player to watch – Michael Noonan
Derry vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: Margins could be slim in top of the table clash
Key Stats
- Shamrock Rovers have drawn two of their last three away games in the Premier Division.
- Six of Shamrock Rovers’ last seven away assignments in the league have produced goals at both ends.
- Six cards were handed out when Derry and Shamrock Rovers last met in March.
- Derry City have lost only one of their last six games at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Correct score prediction: Derry 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
Derry and Shamrock Rovers looked well-matched when they drew 0-0 in March, so another stalemate could be in the works when the title rivals reacquaint themselves at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Derry are slight favourites
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Derry are five points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers at the division’s summit and the Candystripes have a 38.5% chance of closing the gap with a win on Friday.
Shamrock Rovers hammered Dublin rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic 4-0 in their last test, though the markets suggest the table toppers will kick off Friday’s game as slight underdogs at a price of 9/5. View our free football tips page for more Premier Division predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Recent matches have been tight
Derry and Shamrock Rovers drew 0-0 in March and that was the third successive meeting between the clubs where under 2.5 goals landed.
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 20/09/24
Derry City
Shamrock Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 20/05/24
Shamrock Rovers
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 19/04/24
Derry City
Shamrock Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 04/03/24
Shamrock Rovers
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 15/09/23
Derry City
Shamrock Rovers
Derry preview: Whyte and Boyce should start
Derry rescued a point at the death in a 1-1 draw at Drogheda last week and City have lost only two of their last 12 matches in the league overall. Gavin Whyte and Liam Boyce could be paired up front again on Friday by manager Tiernan Lynch.
Predicted lineup: Maher (GK), Harkin, Cann, Connolly, Holt, Todd, O'Reilly, Benson, Duffy, Whyte, Boyce
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
Cork City
1
Derry City
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
W
St Patricks
0
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
W
Shelbourne
0
Derry City
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
L
Waterford FC
2
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 22/04/25
W
Sligo Rovers
0
Derry City
3
Shamrock Rovers preview: Could Noonan provide inspiration?
Shamrock Rovers cantered to a 4-0 win over St. Pat's last time out and that rout was triggered by an early goal from wonderkid Michael Noonan. Rovers have been averaging a league-high 1.82 goals per game in the Premier Division this season.
Predicted lineup: McGinty (GK), Grant, Grace, Lopes, O'Sullivan, Honohan, Byrne, Nugent, Healy, Burke, Noonan
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
Drogheda United
0
Shamrock Rovers
3
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
W
Sligo Rovers
0
Shamrock Rovers
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
D
Cork City
1
Shamrock Rovers
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
D
Shelbourne
2
Shamrock Rovers
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
L
Bohemians Dublin
3
Shamrock Rovers
2
Player to watch – Michael Noonan
Exciting young forward Michael Noonan scored his third goal of the campaign against St. Pat’s last week and the 16-year-old has been mixing it well against more senior opponents despite his tender age.
Wonderkid Noonan can shine again
Noonan – who will join Manchester City when he turns 18 – is considered as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Ireland in a generation and the attacker has the tools and talent to do some damage against Derry on Friday.