Bitesize Prediction: Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers – 23/05/25

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 1/2 @ 1xBet

In what is a real showdown at the top of the Premier Division table, Derry City will welcome Shamrock to the Brandywell Stadium on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Derry might have eventually missed out on a European finish last season, Tiernan Lynch’s men haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Despite eventually settling for a 1-1 stalemate away at Drogheda last time out, the Candystripes have registered 10 points from their previous four Premier Division appearances and the open Friday’s showdown sat in silver medal position. In fact, despite signing off April with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Waterford, that is the only defeat that Derry have suffered from their previous seven Premier Division showdowns. Knowing that they can move within touching distance of top spot here, Lynch’s side will be excited to make a return to home soil this weekend. Including a routine 3-0 romp against Sligo last month, the European contenders have won their previous three consecutive matchups at the Brandywell Stadium by an aggregate score of 6-0. Likewise, Derry have also notched 12 points from their previous five Premier Division appearances in front of their own supporters.

As for the visitors, eventually forced to settle for a silver medal finish last season as they relinquished their domestic crown, Shamrock have some real pressure on their shoulders this time around. Nevertheless, opening Friday’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer over the chasing pack, Stephen Bradley’s men are enjoying what has become quite the purple patch. Already pencilled in as a landslide contender to reclaim their Premier Division title, the Rovers will simply be looking to lay down another statement of intent here. Last seen putting in another dominant display as they cruised their way to a 4-0 romp at home against St. Patrick’s the Irish heavyweights have won their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 12-1. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Shamrock have notched 31 goals in their 17 Premier Division matchups so far this season. In a showdown between two camps scrapping it out at the top of the table, we could be treated to an enjoyable contest here.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers 1/2 for Friday’s Irish Premier Division matchup @ 1xBet