Shamrock Rovers FC vs Dundalk FC Prediction: The big guns clash in the opening game

As the new season of the Ireland Premier division commences on Friday, anticipation runs high for another thrilling season filled with footballing excitement. The opening game features a clash between two top teams in the league: Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk, set to take place at Tallaght Stadium. Both teams are eager to start the season positively, promising a spectacular encounter for fans. Our prediction for this game leans towards goals being scored by both teams. We encourage you to explore our carefully crafted insights for a detailed analysis and expert tips.

Shamrock Rovers have reached a historic milestone by clinching their fourth consecutive League of Ireland championship, marking an unprecedented achievement. With the new season on the horizon, Shamrock Rovers are determined to start strong, buoyed by their recent triumph in the FAI President's Cup final where they defeated St Patrick’s Athletic 3-1. Eager to maintain their momentum, they aim for a sensational victory against arch-rivals Dundalk to kickstart the season on a high note.

Dundalk experienced a moderate performance in their league campaign last season, ultimately finishing in 5th place. Despite their efforts, they fell short of securing qualification to European competitions for the following season. Throughout the campaign, they accumulated 17 victories, 8 draws, and 11 losses from 36 matches played. Patrick Hoban, a key player in Dundalk's offensive lineup last season, has departed the team and joined Derry City. Dundalk will need to adapt to life without the influential 32-year-old striker.

The last 12 clashes between them produced 7 wins for Shamrock, 5 for Dundalk, and a draw.

Shamrock Rovers demonstrated their impressive scoring prowess throughout last season's league campaign, and they aim to continue their strong start in the upcoming matches. In their previous encounters last season, both teams faced each other four times, with Shamrock Rovers emerging victorious in three of those matches, while Dundalk managed to win only once. Considering this track record, we anticipate that Shamrock Rovers will avoid defeat in this game, making a win or draw a viable option, along with over 1.5 goals scored by Shamrock Rovers. Additionally, given the competitive nature of their matchups, both teams scoring presents another intriguing betting option.