Friday 25/07/2014, 21:00, Ireland Premier League, Round 21, Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United

Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United Betting Preview

Shamrock Rovers were one of the Irish teams who decided to spend their free time playing a friendly game against Wolverhampton, but they were equally unsuccessful. Except for that lopsided defeat, today's hosts were pretty solid over the last two months and only lost to the two teams leading the Premier League. Tonight they have few reasons to worry ahead of the game played against Drogheda United, a team struggling to stay alive and avoid relegation.

Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United Betting Odds

At Paddy Power

Shamrock Rovers 1.36, Draw 4.50, Drogheda United 8.50

Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United Betting Tips

The Shamrock Rovers don't have to worry about fatigue and injuries as some of their counterparts do, because they don't compete in Europa league this season. All they need to do is to focus on improving the position in the Premier League and stay within striking distance of the leaders. There are now six points behind them but they could improve this placement if they collect three points in front of their fans.

In order to maximize their chances, the hosts need to step up their offensive efforts and this implies adding a third striker to Kilduff and McCabe. Both of them have scored five goals this season, but could benefit from the addition of Kelly who has an excellent percentage after scoring three times in seven games. This offensive trident should be enough to penetrate the permeable defenses of Drogheda United.

The visitors were more inspired when choosing their sparring partners and as a result of playing against English teams from the lowest divisions, they won back-to-back games without allowing a goal. This is good for their morale, but will make no difference tonight when they face a highly motivated opponent.

Another problem for the visiting team is that they lack a quality striker and if O'Brien fails to play at 100%, Drogheda United doesn't have an equally good replacement. It comes as no surprise that manager Kierans won't take any chances tonight and will field a 5-4-1 starting formation after his team won just twice on the road.

Key Facts

• Shamrock Rovers has a crushing head to head record with seven consecutive victories over Drogheda United
• The visitors have scored just nine goals on the road this season, which makes them the worst scoring team on the road.

Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United Betting Prediction

Drogheda United is not exactly a dangerous team on the road, but it would be a mistake to underestimateg them. Avoiding defeat is all that matters for the visitors who try to consolidate their position above the relegation area. Even if they go down tonight, they won't suffer a lopsided defeat, with punters having plenty to gain by backing them to cover the +1.5 goals spread at odds of 1.80 with Paddy Power.

Bet: Drogheda United +1.5 goals @ 1.80 with Paddy Power