Shamrock Rovers vs Dundalk predictions for this Premier Division match. Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk aim to return to winning ways in the League of Ireland Premier Division at Tallaght Stadium. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

League of Ireland Premier | Jul 4, 2024 at 8pm UK at Tallaght Stadium

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Shamrock Rovers vs Dundalk Predictions

Can Shamrock Rovers Overcome Their Slump Against Struggling Dundalk?

With both teams striving to turn their seasons around, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk meet at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, promising an intriguing contest in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Shamrock Rovers are struggling to defend their title, while Dundalk are fighting to climb out of the relegation zone. This match could prove pivotal for both sides as they aim to salvage their campaigns.

Shamrock Rovers’ Current Form and Tactical Approach

Shamrock Rovers have had a disappointing season, far below their usual high standards. With 22 matches played, they sit fourth in the league table, significantly trailing the top teams. They have garnered just 31 points, a stark contrast to their dominant performances in recent seasons. The team’s struggles are highlighted by their record of eight wins and seven defeats, with five losses coming in their last eight games.

Stephen Bradley’s side experienced a brief resurgence with wins over Derry City and Drogheda United, but subsequent losses have seen them fall further behind. Recent defeats to St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers, where they squandered leads and conceded late goals, have compounded their woes. As a result, the Hoops are now 15 points off the top spot and face an uphill battle to reclaim their former glory.

In terms of tactics, Bradley favours a 3-4-1-2 formation. Key players include Johnny Kenny and Aaron Greene, who have scored nine and eight goals respectively. Kenny, on loan from Celtic, has been a standout performer, while Greene provides experience and physical presence up front. The midfield, orchestrated by Dylan Watts and Graham Burke, is crucial for controlling the game and creating scoring opportunities. Defensively, the team relies on a back three, with Darragh Nugent likely to continue in the absence of Dan Cleary.

Dundalk’s Struggles and Potential for Improvement

Dundalk’s season has been marred by inconsistency and poor form. They find themselves in the relegation playoff place, six points from safety. A disastrous start, featuring an 11-match winless streak, set the tone for their campaign. Despite showing some improvement under new manager Jon Daly, they remain in a precarious position.

The Lilywhites’ recent form has been slightly better, with crucial wins over St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers providing a glimmer of hope. However, a 2-0 home defeat to Waterford in their last outing was a setback. Dundalk’s main issue has been scoring, with just 13 goals in 22 matches, making them one of the least potent attacking forces in the league.

Daly’s tactical approach often involves a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robbie Benson playing a pivotal role in midfield. The absence of Jamie Gullan, their top scorer with five goals, has been keenly felt. In his place, young Eoin Kenny has led the line, supported by wingers Daryl Horgan and Ryan O’Kane. Dundalk’s defence, marshalled by Andy Boyle, has been slightly more reliable, but lapses have cost them crucial points.

Key Battles and Areas of Influence

The outcome of this match could hinge on several key battles across the pitch. In midfield, the duel between Shamrock Rovers’ Dylan Watts and Dundalk’s Robbie Benson will be critical. Both players are central to their team’s creativity and ability to control the game. Watts’ vision and passing range will be tested against Benson’s industriousness and defensive capabilities.

In attack, Johnny Kenny’s movement and finishing will be pivotal for Shamrock Rovers. He will be up against Dundalk’s experienced defender Andy Boyle, whose leadership and organisational skills will be crucial in keeping Kenny quiet. Similarly, Aaron Greene’s physical presence will challenge Dundalk’s backline, particularly in aerial duels and hold-up play.

Expected Gameplay Dynamics

Given their recent form and the stakes involved, both teams are likely to adopt cautious approaches initially. Shamrock Rovers, despite their struggles, possess more attacking quality and will aim to control possession and create chances through their midfield. Dundalk, on the other hand, might focus on a solid defensive setup, looking to hit on the counter-attack through the pace of Horgan and O’Kane.

Shamrock Rovers’ high possession rate (63%) and accurate passing (81%) suggest they will dominate the ball, probing Dundalk’s defence for openings. Dundalk, with their lower possession statistics, will need to be clinical with their chances, capitalising on any mistakes by their hosts.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Shamrock Rovers: Strengths: The Hoops’ primary strength lies in their attacking talent. Johnny Kenny and Aaron Greene have been reliable goal scorers. Their midfield, led by Dylan Watts, is adept at controlling games and creating opportunities. Defensively, their back three has been solid, with Roberto Lopes and Josh Honohan providing stability.

Weaknesses: However, their recent form is a major concern. They have been prone to conceding late goals and have struggled to maintain leads. Their defence, despite its solidity, has made critical errors under pressure, and their inability to convert possession into goals consistently has hampered their success.

Dundalk: Strengths: Dundalk’s strengths include their defensive resilience and the ability to perform in tight matches. Robbie Benson’s influence in midfield is significant, and the experience of players like Andy Boyle provides leadership on the pitch.

Weaknesses: The Lilywhites’ main weakness is their lack of goals. With only 13 goals in 22 matches, their attacking output is the lowest in the league. The absence of Jamie Gullan has exacerbated this issue, and their reliance on young and inexperienced players in key positions adds to their vulnerability.

Managerial Analysis

Stephen Bradley has enjoyed significant success with Shamrock Rovers in the past, but this season has tested his managerial skills. Criticism has been directed at his inability to adapt tactics to arrest the team’s decline. His reliance on a set formation and reluctance to make bold changes has been questioned, especially as the team’s title defence falters.

Jon Daly, relatively new to the managerial role at Dundalk, has shown promise by stabilising the team and instilling some resilience. However, his lack of experience at this level has sometimes shown in tactical naivety and inconsistent team performances. Daly needs to find a way to improve Dundalk’s attacking output if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

Predictions and Betting Angles

Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers to Win Shamrock Rovers possess more quality and experience than Dundalk, despite their poor form. With key players like Johnny Kenny and Aaron Greene expected to perform, the Hoops should have enough to secure a crucial victory. Their superior attacking options and home advantage give them the edge.

Correct Score Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Dundalk Reflecting their dominance and Dundalk’s struggles in front of goal, a 2-0 victory for Shamrock Rovers is a plausible outcome. The Hoops have the firepower to breach Dundalk’s defence while maintaining a solid backline themselves.

Goalscorer Prediction: Johnny Kenny to Score Johnny Kenny, with nine goals this season, is the focal point of Shamrock Rovers’ attack. His form and positioning make him a likely candidate to find the net against a vulnerable Dundalk defence.

Corners Prediction: Shamrock Rovers to Have More Corners With Shamrock Rovers expected to dominate possession and create more attacking opportunities, they are likely to earn more corners than Dundalk. Their average of 6.4 corners per game suggests they will exploit Dundalk’s defence effectively.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Shots on Target Over 10.5 Given Shamrock Rovers’ average of 5.2 shots on target per game and Dundalk’s 3.1, predicting a total of over 10.5 shots on target in this match seems reasonable. Both teams will be eager to improve their form, leading to an open and attacking game with plenty of goal-scoring attempts.

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