Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction 16.03.2026 | Ireland Premier Division

Currently sitting 7th in the table with a modest seven points collected from their opening six fixtures, Drogheda United head into Monday’s demanding showdown eager to steady the ship following a painful 4-1 collapse against St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night.

Despite beginning the campaign in fairly solid fashion and looking relatively dependable at the back, that stability now feels like a distant memory for the Dons, who arrive here trapped in a three-match losing streak and having conceded a worrying eight goals across that stretch, a stark contrast to their opening three outings when they allowed just a single strike.

Nevertheless, Kevin Doherty’s men can still draw confidence from a significant psychological boost stemming from their memorable triumph over Irish giants Shamrock Rovers, as they famously shattered the Hoops’ double ambitions in a dramatic quarter-final of the FAI Cup last season by prevailing in a tense penalty shootout.

On the team news front, regular defender Owen Lambe has missed all six opening matches of the new League of Ireland Premier Division campaign due to a troublesome knee injury, and his return to action remains uncertain.

Fresh from a professional 2-0 dispatch of Sligo Rovers, Shamrock Rovers travel to Weavers Park appearing to have finally shaken off their sluggish start to the campaign, with that result stretching their unbeaten league sequence to three matches (W2 D1).

Manager Stephen Bradley, who is chasing a period of unprecedented dominance in Irish football, is beginning to see his side rediscover the trademark champion’s edge that underpinned their recent dynasty, as the Hoops continue to string together results suggesting they are once again serious contenders for the League of Ireland Premier Division crown.

While their thrilling four-goal stalemate against Shelbourne hinted at occasional defensive fragility on the road, the Hoops’ attacking engine remains widely regarded as the most potent in the country, having produced at least two goals in each of their opening three top-flight away outings.

However, captain Roberto Lopes will serve a one-match suspension after seeing red during the victory over Sligo, while Daniel Mandroiu and Rory Gaffney remain sidelined as they continue their respective recoveries from muscle and knee injuries.