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Returning to league action for the first time in almost three weeks, title-chasing Shamrock Rovers welcome relegation-threatened Drogheda to Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night for their 32nd league match of the campaign, while the visitors will be playing their 33rd.
The Hoops returned to winning ways last time out with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Waterford, coming from 2-1 down to claim all three points and move level with league leaders St Pats.
Drogheda, meanwhile, remain second from bottom and saw their hopes of making it three consecutive victories ended in September when they suffered a late defeat to Bohemians.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Drogheda key stats
- Shamrock Rovers have not lost to Drogheda United in their last 14 meetings.
- No side has a better home record this season in the League of Ireland than the Hoops.
- Drogheda have conceded the most penalties in the league this season with eight.
- Only three sides have picked up fewer points away from home than Kevin Doherty's side.
Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda preview: Rovers bidding to go top
Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda — Tale of the Tape
| Shamrock Rovers | vs | Drogheda |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 9th |
| 59 | Points | 34 |
| 49 | Goals For | 38 |
| 31 | Goals Against | 51 |
| 11 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 1st / 4th | Home / Away Rank | 8th / 7th |
Stephen Bradley's side claimed a record-extending 22nd top-flight title last season, securing top spot by three points despite winning just one of their final five matches.
Shamrock Rovers have since suffered European disappointment after losing their two-legged UEFA Conference League playoff to KuPS, allowing the Dublin-based side to focus fully on their league campaign.
The Hoops have also struggled for consistency in the League of Ireland, winning just two of their final five outings, although their latest victory highlighted why a win in their game in hand on Thursday would be enough to take them top of the division.
Bradley's men looked set to suffer another setback when they entered the final 20 minutes 2-1 behind, but a late brace from John McGovern secured their 17th league victory of the season.
Should the Hoops extend their unbeaten run against Drogheda to 15 matches, they would move three points clear at the top of the table with the business end of the season fast approaching.
The visitors, led by Kevin Doherty, make the short journey south in desperate need of points as they look to avoid another relegation into Ireland's second tier.
Drogheda enter the final few league matches of the season second from bottom and occupying the division's only relegation playoff position, with 10th-placed Sligo Rovers 11 points behind and seemingly all but out of the survival picture.
The Drogs remain firmly in contention to stay up, though, and are level on points with Waterford.
A victory in Tallaght on Thursday could therefore be enough to lift them out of the relegation zone, although their record against Shamrock Rovers offers little encouragement.
As mentioned, the head-to-head record shows that the last 14 meetings have produced 10 Hoops victories and four draws, with Drogheda's most recent win coming in May 2022.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Drogheda form guide & betting tips
| Shamrock Rovers | vs | Drogheda |
|---|---|---|
|
W
D
D
L
W
|
Form |
L
L
W
W
L
|
| 8 | Points | 6 |
| 7th | Form Table | 4th |
| 9 | Goals For | 7 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 8 |
|
L
L
D
D
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
W
W
L
W
|
Whispers predicts: Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Drogheda
No side has collected more points at home than Shamrock Rovers, and we expect the Hoops to demonstrate their strength at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night.
The hosts are priced at 1/3 for victory, while our 2-0 correct-score prediction also leads us towards Both Teams to Score – No and Under 2.5 Goals.
The latter two selections are priced at 4/5 and 23/20 respectively.
> Shamrock Rovers to win at 1/3 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both Teams to Score – No at 4/5 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 23/20 | Likelihood: Probable