Shamrock Rovers prepare for a key Premier Division fixture at home to Drogheda United on Friday night. The Hoops, currently third in the table with 59 points from 31 games, will look to build on their last result, a 3-2 victory over Waterford.
That win on September 18 ended a four-match winless run in the league. Their recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings. They will be aiming for a more consistent performance against a Drogheda side that sits ninth.
Opposition preview
Drogheda United arrive with mixed form of their own, including a recent 1-0 away win against Trabzonspor. Their last five matches show three wins and two defeats. The head-to-head record this season suggests a tight contest. The most recent meeting ended in a 0-0 draw at United Park on July 31. Rovers won the previous encounter at Tallaght Stadium 4-1 back in May.
Expected lineup and tactics
Based on their last starting eleven, Shamrock Rovers are likely to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation. The side that beat Waterford featured Alan Mannus in goal, with a back three of Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes and Lee Grace. The midfield quartet included Ronan Finn, Gary O'Neill, Dylan Watts and Neil Farrugia, supporting striker Rory Gaffney.
With the season entering its final stretch, every point is vital for Rovers' ambitions. A win would help stays in the top three ahead of the remaining fixtures. The match kicks off at Tallaght Stadium at 19:00 UTC on October 9.
