Saturday's clash in the League of Ireland between relegation-threatened hosts Sligo Rovers and leaders Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds will impact both ends of the table.
The home side are ninth with 19 points and occupy the relegation playoff spot after they failed to beat Bohemians last time out on June 27, whereas their opponents have 29 points more and managed to beat Waterford 1-0 last Friday.
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Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers prediction: Offensive mismatch at the Showgrounds
Key Stats
- Shamrock's tally of 42 goals in the league is at least 14 more than any of the other nine sides in the division, and is 16 more than Sligo.
- The hosts have kept just two clean sheets in 12 games, and have conceded 37 goals this season, the second most in the top flight.
- While Shamrock have scored just once in two games – conceding twice – they netted 22 goals in their prior nine outings, scoring at least twice on eight occasions.
Correct score prediction: Sligo 1-2 Shamrock
League-leaders Shamrock have failed to win three of their past six encounters with their hosts, and they could struggle on Saturday if recent history is anything to go by, but they should still be expected to win given they have been the division's best side this season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Uphill battle for Sligo according to the bookmakers
- HOME: 9/2 (5.5) – 18.2%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.2) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 2/5 (1.4) – 71.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Shamrock are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 71.4%, and the bookmakers see little reason to doubt the visitors.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Close contests
Shamrock have edged the last six clashes with their hosts – winning three times – but they have still experienced two losses in those encounters.
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 13/09/24
Shamrock Rovers
Sligo Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 28/06/24
Sligo Rovers
Shamrock Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 12/04/24
Shamrock Rovers
Sligo Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/03/24
Sligo Rovers
Shamrock Rovers
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 03/11/23
Shamrock Rovers
Sligo Rovers
Sligo preview: A missed opportunity against Bohemians
Sligo managed to hold third-placed Bohemians to a 1-1 stalemate in their most recent match, but they will be disappointed to have not taken three points given they conceded a 95th-minute equaliser.
Oliver Denham and Conor Reynolds could play in central defence considering John Mahon is suspended.
Predicted lineup: Sargeant (GK) McDonagh, Denham, Reynolds, Hutchinson, Hayes, Patton, Elding, Hakiki, Fitzgerald, Waweru
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 10/05/25
L
Bohemians Dublin
1
Sligo Rovers
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
L
Shamrock Rovers
2
Sligo Rovers
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
D
Drogheda United
2
Sligo Rovers
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 26/04/25
D
Cork City
1
Sligo Rovers
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 22/04/25
L
Derry City
3
Sligo Rovers
0
Shamrock Rovers preview: Victory against Waterford
Shamrock emerged as 1-0 victors against Waterford last time out, preventing their opponents from creating any big chances.
Predicted lineup: McGinty (GK), Cleary, Lopez, O'Sullivan, Grant, Mandroiu, Healy, Watts, Honohan, 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
Michael Noonan is just 16 years of age but he has already established himself as one of Shamrock Rovers' leading stars, with his tally of six league goals making him his side's joint second top scorer.
The forward has netted five times in his last eight games, though he has blanked in his last two, and he will be keen to get back onto the scoresheet.