Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Prediction and Betting Tip - Odds, H2H and Preview Predictions

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Preview

With the season well and truly underway over in the Irish top flight, two teams who have shone out as early contenders at the top of the table are set to do battle shortly.

Having won an astonishing 21 league titles as Ireland's most successful club, but having been pipped to the throne last season by Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers have been ruthless in their attempts to seal an immediate return to Ireland's top step, and have opened out a 5-point gap over their Friday hosts.

Derry City, however, have been in good form of their own right, and hold a game in hand over Shamrock Rovers to try and keep them within reach. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that this early-season clash could have a big impact toward the end of the season.

Key Statistics

• Shamrock Rovers are on the hunt for their 22nd Irish Premier Division title, and sit 5 points clear at the top after playing 17 matches
• The team in 2nd is Derry City, the side that will host them on Friday night. Derry have a game in hand over Shamrock Rovers, and will be hoping to get one over them now in order to take full advantage of it
• Rovers have been an unstoppable force in front of goal this season, having scored the most goals in the division with 31, whilst conceding the least with just 15
• Despite the home advantage and the game in hand, Derry City will have a battle to fight to offset this Rovers side

Derry City Preview

Predicted Starting Lineup: Maher; Harkin, Cann, Connolly, Holt, Todd, Benson, Duffy, O'Reilly, Boyce, Whyte

Derry City will be licking their lips in anticipation of this clash.

Shamrock Rovers are one of the most feared teams in the division, being out on their own with a massive 21 league titles to their name. They are tearing their way through to a hopeful 22nd this season, but Derry City have a huge opportunity to throw a spanner in the works.

Victory for the hosts on Friday night will see the gap between the two teams, in 1st and 2nd in the table, reduced down to just 2 points, with Derry holding a game in hand over Shamrock. Should they win that, an equally tough away trip to Bohemians, then they will make their way to the top of the table.

It's a certain tall order for Derry, but they will be right up for the fight, with the recent form to justify it.

Shamrock Rovers Preview

Predicted Starting Lineup: McGinty; Grant, Grace, Lopez, O'Sullivan, Honohan, Byrne, Nugent, Healy, Noonan, Burke

Despite a rocky run of form through April, wherein Rovers went 4 games without a win, Stephen Bradley's side have roared back into life over the last few weeks, securing 4 wins on the spin on their way back to the top of the table.

Star striker Graham Burke has certainly been one to watch in that time, with the 31-year-old striker notching 6 direct goal contributions in his last four appearances, all of which coming in those aforementioned wins.

After losing the chance at another consecutive title last season, with Shelbourne being crowned in November, Shamrock have played with a fire behind their eyes to assault the top end of the table once again. Derry will be no small feat to overcome, given their own chances at leapfrogging Rovers and going to the top spot, but Shamrock will be the favourites on Friday.

Where to Watch

You can catch this mouth-watering clash on League of Ireland TV. Kick off is at 7:45pm UK time, on Friday, 23/05.

Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers Betting Tip

Though Derry City will put up a massive fight (keep an eye on Both Teams to Score and Derry City to Score First markets), Shamrock Rovers will view this as a must-win in order to nullify Derry's threat. As such, we see the favourites keeping their hosts on Friday away from a victory, and will go with a Shamrock Rovers/Draw Double Chance market for this.

You can get this bet at a solid 1.48 over at Ladbrokes, meaning a £10 stake will return £14.80 on it's own, making it a great addition to any accumulators!

Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction

Derry City will be more than up for this, and we expect them to find the net at least once, but we think Shamrock Rovers will have too much quality and form to overcome on Friday night. Suitably, we are going for a 2-1 scoreline, going the way of Shamrock Rovers.