Shamrock Rovers take on Bohemians in a mid-table clash on Friday night in the League of Ireland. These two will be looking to push on and finish the season well, to enhance their league position. Bohemians don’t have much to aim for, although keeping clear of the relegation battle will be on their mind, they are just four points clear of the drop zone and won’t want to move any closer. Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to land one of the two Europa League spots on offer and they are just two points behind third placed Derry who hold onto the last one right now.
This is an important part of the season for both of these clubs and the points on offer in this game would be welcomed by both. Shamrock Rovers will be aiming for the European places and a win here would set them up nicely, while continuing to put the pressure on Derry City, who look like the only team they can catch. Bohemians will be desperate for a win here as they continue to drop down the league. They have lost their last three and a victory today will not only stop that streak, but it will keep them away from the relegation zone, for now.
The bookmakers have made Shamrock Rovers clear favourites for this game and with their pedigree it is not hard to see why.
Shamrock Rovers Form
Shamrock Rovers picked up a vital win in their last league game, beating last season’s champions Dundalk away from home. Although that was only a 1-0 victory, it was very impressive and if they play like that for the remainder of the season, they will surely find themselves in a European spot.
Shamrock have won four, drawn one and lost two of their last seven league games and they are in 4th place in the league right now. They will have Derry in their sights and with just two points between them it should be an exciting battle that goes right to the end of the season.
Bohemians Form
Bohemians have lost their last three games in the league, dropping them down the league to 7th position. They are 11 points behind the top three and that dream now looks a long way off, instead they need to focus on what is below them right now.
They are just four points above a very tight relegation zone and with numerous clubs involved, every point counts between now and the end of the season. However, one positive has been their away form and they have won five of their last nine away games which will give them hope when they travel to face Shamrock Rovers.
Team News
Shamrock will be looking for goals from their striker Gary Shaw who has scored seven league goals so far this season. He arrives here in good form having scored in his last two games and looks certain to start this one.
Goal scoring is an area where Bohemians struggle, they have scored just 21 goals from their 22 games this season, less than a goal per game. Their one and only goal in their last three games came from wide midfielder Daniel Corcoran and they need others to step up and support him if they are to keep clear of the relegation zone.
Top Betting Tips
This game is an important game for both of these clubs, although for very different reasons. Shamrock Rovers are on the up and they are looking ahead of them, preparing for a shot at taking a European qualification position. That is their ultimate aim this season, and a win here would keep the pressure on Derry City, who look to be their main rivals for that final European spot.
Bohemians are doing the opposite right now, after a poor run they are looking behind and worrying about the relegation battle going off just below them. They need to find a win from somewhere, and that will hopefully be enough for their sake to keep them ahead of the battle below.
In this game I am going to side with Shamrock Rovers, who look to be heading in the right direction and they will know how important three points here will be. I believe they will be able to keep a clean sheet against a team who struggle for goals, so I am going to back them to win this game 2-0, which is available at 13/2 with Paddy Power.