Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers: can Rovers extend their lead over their closest rivals?
In the 23rd round of the Irish Premier Division, Sligo Rovers will take on Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, July 5th. We bring you a betting preview for this clash, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 Central European Time.
Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers: match facts and head-to-head
- Sligo Rovers have lost three of their last six matches.
- Shamrock Rovers have suffered just one defeat in their last ten outings.
- At home, Sligo Rovers have won three out of ten matches, losing five.
- Shamrock Rovers boast the best attack in the Premier Division with 42 goals scored.
- Shamrock Rovers also have the league's best defense, conceding just 21 goals.
- Shamrock Rovers have lost without scoring in only 8% of their matches this season, compared to 32% for Sligo Rovers.
- Shamrock Rovers have kept a clean sheet in 29% of their games, while Sligo Rovers managed this in just 14% of matches.
- In their most recent head-to-head, Shamrock Rovers defeated Sligo Rovers 2-0. Across the last five meetings, Rovers have claimed three victories, with Rovers also winning twice.
Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers: match preview
Sligo Rovers are currently far from their best form, with inconsistent results plaguing their campaign. Over their last six matches, they've suffered three defeats, picked up a draw, and won twice. The club sits near the bottom of the Irish Premier Division table. After 22 rounds, they've collected just 19 points and are fighting for eighth place. For now, Sligo occupy ninth position, which means a relegation playoff rather than direct relegation. If they want to avoid extra matches, they'll need to make up an eight-point gap to the team in eighth.
Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, are in fantastic form, showing confident play and consistent results. Last season, they missed out on the title for the first time in five years and are now determined to reclaim the gold medals. The team tops the table with 48 points from 24 rounds. Their lead over the nearest pursuers is 11 points, although their two main rivals each have two games in hand and could close the gap. Still, in their last ten matches, Shamrock Rovers have lost just once, winning eight and drawing one. With such impressive stats, they can afford to focus on extending their winning run rather than looking over their shoulders.
Probable lineups
- Sligo Rovers: Sergeant, Reynolds, McElroy, Mahon, Hutchinson, Fitzgerald, Doyle-Hayes, Hakiki, Mallon, Waweru, Elding
- Shamrock Rovers: McGinty, Roberto Lopes, O’Sullivan, Honohan, Grace, Healy, Nugent, Clarke, Watts, Burke, Greene
Prediction
Shamrock Rovers are in great form, while their opponents are stuck in the relegation zone and struggling for consistency. I expect Shamrock to keep their winning streak alive, so my bet is on the visitors’ individual total over 1.5 goals at odds of 1.6.
