Dundalk – Shamrock Rovers

The champion of Ireland Dundalk hosts Shamrock Rovers in a match from the 23th round of the Irish Premier Division.

After winning the title last season, now Dundalk are about to lose it. The current champions are 15 points behind the leader Cork City, which means that the title race is over now. Taking into account that Dundalk have 12 points advantage in front of the third Derry City, most likely they will finish the season at 2nd place. Which at least means an Europa League qualification for the next year.

As for Shamrock Rovers, they are currently 5th in the standings. But nothing is over for them just yet. Shamrock are on just two points behind the third Derry City, which means that they have very real chances to reach the Europa League zone. The battle for the third place in the Premier Division is going to be really intense.

Dundalk are just perfect in their last five matches. The champions are showing amazing form lately and they are in a run of five consecutive wins. In their last game Dundalk beat Bohemians with 1-0 away from home. Before that they took all of the points against Bray Wanderers, Galway United, Finn Harps and Drogheda United.

As for Shamrock Rovers, they are a little bit more inconsistent in their last five matches. They have won three of them – against Bray Wanderers, Finn Harps and Drogheda United, but they also lost against Sligo Rovers in their last match. They also shared the points with St Patrick’s Athl. after a 1-1 draw a few weeks ago.

If Dundalk are currently pretty much comfortable for the second place in the Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers are still fighting for finishing in the the Top 3 of the league. They need points and they need them now. But will Dundalk give them so easily?