On Friday, 23 May 2025, the top two sides in the Irish Premier Division face off as Derry City host Shamrock Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:45 BST (UK), corresponding to 20:45 CEST in Italy, Germany, France and Spain.
This showdown sees second-placed Derry City, on 27 points, aiming to leapfrog league leaders Shamrock Rovers, who sit on 29 points. With both sides in excellent form and a tight title race underway, this match carries huge significance for fans and bettors alike.
How are both teams coming into this?
Derry City have been solid under manager Lynch, posting 8 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats so far. Their recent sequence of 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss highlights a well-organized defence and a threat on the counter-attack. At home, they’ve claimed 5 victories from 8 games, making the Brandywell a challenging venue for any visitor.
Shamrock Rovers have maintained their position at the summit under Bradley, with 8 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats and a +12 goal difference. Their current run of 4 wins and 1 draw in the last five fixtures—capped by a commanding 4-0 triumph—demonstrates both attacking prowess and defensive grit. Expect them to dominate possession and press high from the first whistle.
Our forecast
Given the tight margins and the head-to-head history—four of the last five meetings finished as draws or one-goal victories—we’re backing a draw in this encounter. Both sides have shown they can shut out opponents, and with so much at stake, a cautious tactical approach is likely.
For secondary markets, consider “Both Teams to Score: No”, as three of the last five clashes produced fewer than two goals. This suggests a low-scoring affair where defences may hold firm until late drama.
Best odds
- Bet365: Draw at 21/10
- William Hill: Draw at 2.25
- Betfair: Draw at 2.20
