Drogheda Utd v Shamrock

Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers Preview

Drogheda United slipped to a second defeat on the trot in the Irish Premier Division last time out when they were handed a 4-2 loss away from home at Waterford which has left Friday night's hosts sitting second from bottom in the domestic top flight table and therefore in the relegation play-off spot, while Shamrock Rovers still remain in third place despite losing 2-0 at home to the league leaders, Shelbourne.

Drogheda United had previously been dealt a 3-2 loss at home to Galway United so this upcoming clash against Shamrock Rovers becomes even more important for the hosts but there are no guarantees of success for Kevin Doherty's side as Drogheda have managed to claim just two wins out of their last 14 games overall.

The two wins were registered against Sligo Rovers and Dundalk but Drogheda United have also been handed six defeats within these previous 14 games so the prospects of the hosts capturing all three points here on Friday night seems remote.

The bigger picture looks even worse for the hosts as they have collected just three wins from their previous 22 games in the Irish Premier Division.

Shamrock Rovers know they must bounce back from defeat last time out in the Irish Premier Division to Shelbourne when they take to the road for Friday night's clash against Drogheda United at Weavers Park as the visitors now have the likes of Galway United and Waterford hot on their heels in the race for a top three finish this season.

Following a promising sequence of results which saw Shamrock Rovers record five wins in six games with wins against Galway United, Bohemians, Waterford, Sligo Rovers and Derry City, the visitors have found it tough going in the Irish Premier Division in subsequent weeks.

Indeed, Stephen Bradley's side have managed to collect just a further two wins in their subsequent nine games overall which came in the shape of victories over Drogheda United (4-0 at home) and Derry City but they have also slipped to recent defeats at the hands of Waterford, Dundalk and Shelbourne as well.

Results away from home though have been fairly solid as Shamrock Rovers have lost just four of their last 18 outings on the road and the visitors now have the added incentive of needing a result here on Friday night in order to maintain their position in the top three of the division.

Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers Verdict

Shamrock Rovers have won the last two meetings on the trot against Drogheda United with resounding 4-0 and 5-0 victories respectively but although a much tighter encounter is expected to unfold at Weavers Park on Friday night, it's the visitors that get the nod in this one.

Therefore, our main bet will be Shamrock Rovers win @ 1.50

Other side bets worth considering:

Shamrock Rovers win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.00

Correct Score: Shamrock Rovers 1-0 @ 7.50