The last time we discussed about a match for the Irish Premier League, we mentioned that things were unexpected to say the least. Four rounds later, it’s still the same. The interesting part of it is that 6 clubs are within a distance of 4 points, therefore, everything can change from one round to the next. For this one we will discuss about the 11th Round and the confrontation between the once mighty Shamrock Rovers and one of the traditionals, Bohemian. The match is for Apr 21 at 13:00 GMT.
5th and 7th with views to the top
The hosts have had a rather bad season so far. Only 3 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws for 6 goals in favor and 5 against. However, all of their victories came in the last four matches, and that translates to at last getting in form. Nevertheless, their difficulty in front of goal is also rather obvious and they have to do something about it. Furthermore, they have one match less than the rest and that could give them the opportunity to cover the distance to the league leaders Drogheda United.
On the other hand, the visitors are just 2 points behind their opponents and if they want to save the season they must start reacting now. They also have 3 wins; however, they also have 5 losses. 9 goals scored and 11 conceded shows the opposite problem. For Bohemian it’s the defense that needs work.
One goal makes the difference
All 4 of the matches played in 2024 between the two ended in one goal of difference. Bohemian won all three at their home pitch, while Shamrock won the one at theirs. It would not be an understatement to bet for a correct score of 1-0.
Before they meet, Shamrock host Waterford and Cork City. Assumingly these are two victories that they should achieve one way or the other. Bohemian also host Cork City. However, they have a most difficult match to play away at champions Shelbourne. And that one they might lose.
It’s a match that hangs in the balance of developments and we will be keeping an eye on everything before we come back next week with our final recommendation.
Update
Shamrock defeated Waterford by 2-0, Cork City by 4-0 and drew away at St. Patrick’s with 2-2. These results have brought them to 3rd (on goal differential) at the same 18 points as 2nd St. Patrick’s. On the other hand, Bohemian lost at Shelbourne by 1-0, and then won over Cork City by the same score. Now they are 6 points behind their opponents far down on 7th.
The last card to play
At a price of @4.75 it seems that no one believes that the visitors have any chance of winning. The hosts will pay at a mere @1.65. The fact is that if Bohemian want to have any chance for something better, they just must win this one. They cannot afford another loss. It would be the end of their season. On the other hand, Shamrock has a chance to overtake Drogheda and return to the top. But it is not their last card to throw on the table.
We will take a great risk on this one and suggest a win for the visitors to those that will go ahead and open an account at the best betting platform. Performancewise, the two sides are not that different. The first three teams of the table count 5 wins each. Bohemian have 4. It’s not that far of a stretch to expect that at some point they will go the extra mile and get the fifth one that they desperately need.