Eircom Leagues
2009-03-13 - Shamrock Rovers vs Sligo Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by Footie Addict
Football: Republic of Ireland, Ireland Premier League
Friday, 13th March 2009 - Kickoff 20:05
Early doors in the league, and it can be hard to definitively pick winning sides, but this game has a lot of significance for the home side.
Shamrock Rovers have their first game at home in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday night. It’s already sold out, despite being given television coverage over here in Ireland. Both sides drew their opening matches, Shamrock Rovers drew 0-0 at Bray, while Sligo Rovers drew 1-1 at home to Cork City.
I would expect Sligo to finish mid-table, or slightly lower this year though they did get 4th place last year. This was built off a good home record, where they lost just 4 of 17 games, winning 8. On the other hand they only won 4 games on the road, drawing 7 and losing 5. Shamrock Rovers finished 7th, primarily due to the fact that they drew too many games.
Here’s how Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers finished last season in nead to head play. ;
Sligo Rovers 3 – 2 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers 1 – 0 Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers 2 – 1 Shamrock Rovers
Victory for the home side in each occasion.
There is little to split these teams on paper, but given the fact that Shamrock Rovers finally have a home ground (they rented various grounds over the last number of years) there is a significant motivation for the players here. The motivation, passionate full stadium will rise the Shamrock Rovers players here.
The Betting Verdict
The outcome of this match is far from clear cut – but there will be a very optimistic, powerful support turning out for Shamrock Rovers, the first real home game in years ... and I think they will try extra hard in this game.
This makes the prices of around Evens on Shamrock Rovers good enough to tempt me.
