Bitesize Prediction: Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers – 19/04/24

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 2/5 @ Pribet

Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out in the European chase, Derry City will welcome Shamrock to the Brandywell Stadium on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Derry might have come flying out of the traps when opening the new campaign, Ruaidhri Higgins’ men have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability. Last seen settling for an action-packed 2-2 stalemate away at Drogheda, the Candystripes have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous five Premier Division appearances. Although they might have made a real statement earlier in the month as they secured a 4-1 romp against former champions Dundalk, Derry have shown some recent issues at the back. Including a 2-1 defeat against Bohemians last month, Friday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last six outings. However, still battling it out in the European chase, Higgins’ side will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Including a routine 3-0 victory against Waterford on March 8th, Derry have collected 12 points from their first five Premier Division showdowns at the Brandywell Stadium.

As for the visitors, managing to make an immediate return to winning ways last week, Shamrock find themselves tipped as a leading contender to defend their Premier Division crown. Last seen storming their way to a 3-0 romp against Sligo, the Rovers have now won four of their previous five top-flight appearances. Signing off March with a 3-1 victory against Bohemians, Stephen Bradley’s men have come roaring back from their early-season wobble. Desperate to make a statement here and move within touching distance of top spot, the former Ireland boss will also be excited by an eye-catching record against Friday’s hosts. Despite playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw when they last met Derry at the Tallaght Stadium on March 4th, Shamrock are unbeaten in all of their previous four meetings. Likewise, with five of their last six contests finishing with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers 2/5 for Friday’s Irish Premier Division matchup @ Pribet