Bitesize Prediction: Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers – 15/09/23

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 2/5 @ BetUS

In what looks like it could be a season-deciding affair on Friday night, Derry will welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell Stadium.

Starting with the hosts, while Derry might have seen their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure come to an abrupt end at the hands of Tobol last month, the Candystripes are enjoying a major domestic purple patch. Putting in another rampant display last time out as they stormed their way to a routine 5-0 romp away at UC Dublin, Ruaidhri Higgins’ side have continued to gain a string of plaudits. Sat just four points adrift of Friday’s guests and finding a route back to the top of the Premier Division standings, Derry are unbeaten in each of their previous six top-flight appearances. Likewise, opening September with an eye-catching 3-1 victory away at former champions Dundalk, fans around Brandywell will be calling on their squad to claim what could be a season-defining win here. Winning back-to-back Premier Division showdowns by an aggregate score of 8-1, Higgins’ side have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. It should be noted, Friday’s hosts have seen their previous five top-flight appearances finish with over 2.5 goals.

As for the visitors, while Shamrock might have opened August in the midst of a public nightmare, the Irish heavyweights have come roaring back in some style. Last seen earlier in the month putting in a rampant display on home soil as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against Bohemians, the reigning Premier Division champions have now mustered 10 points from their previous five top-flight appearances. Holding a four-point buffer over the chasing pack when they return to domestic action this weekend, the Rovers should also be excited by their most recent trip to Brandywell. Landing a deserved 2-0 victory when they travelled to Derry back on May 1st, there is no doubt that Stephen Bradley will be calling on a repeat performance here. Losing just a pair of their last eight meetings against their bitter title rivals, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair this weekend. It should be highlighted, with Shamrock seeing seven of their previous eight away fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome.

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