Preview:Finn Harps vs. Shamrock Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at opposite ends of the Ireland Premier table will meet on Friday when Finn Harps welcome league leaders Shamrock Rovers to Finn Park.

The hosts will be hoping to put further pressure on those outside of the relegation zone, while the visitors aim to maintain or extend their gap at the top of the division.

Match preview

Finn Harps currently find themselves in ninth place, which is the relegation playoff spot, and they are only three points above University College Dublin who are bottom.

The squad are currently suffering a difficult period as they have failed to pick up three points in their previous seven fixtures, which is how they have slipped so far down the table.

Finn Harps are 10 points away from Drogheda United right now, which places a lot of pressure on the remaining games if the club want to try and avoid having to play the relegation playoff fixture.

Despite their recent poor form, Ollie Horgan's men were able to secure a point during their most recent outing following a draw against St Patrick's Athletic.

The squad showcased their ability to fight until the end of a game though as they came back from 2-0 down with goals from Jose Carrillo and Ethan Boyle in the final 10 minutes helping to secure a 2-2 result.

Shamrock Rovers currently sit top of the Ireland Premier table, and they have established a 10-point gap between themselves and the closest challenges, placing them in a great position.

Goals from Andrew Lyons and Aaron Greene helped to secure a 2-1 victory against St Patrick's Athletic during their most recent outing, which was their third consecutive win.

Even though Stephen Bradley's men have been dominant throughout the season, away from home they have not been as consistent which could provide problems for them this Friday.

Shamrock Rovers have suffered all of their four defeats throughout the campaign when on the road, showcasing just how difficult they have found playing away at times.

Despite that, the squad have proven their quality throughout the season and they have only conceded nine times on the road this season.

Team News

Carrillo could be in line to earn an opportunity from the first whistle on Friday after he found the back of the net as a substitute during their most recent outing.

Ryan Rainey and Regan Donelon will likely be used as wing-backs in this fixture as they continue to provide width to the squad.

Ronan Finn was only used as a substitute after returning from suspension in Shamrock's last outing, but he could end up being given the opportunity to be placed back into the starting lineup this time around.

Greene should retain his place as the lone striker in the team though after he managed to get on the scoresheet in the previous match.

Finn Harps possible starting lineup:

Mulreany; Boyle, Tourish, Slevin; Rainey, Duncan, N'Zeyi, McNamee, Donelon; McWoods, Mihaljevic

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mannus; Hoare, Lopes, Grace; Lyons, O'Neill, McCann, Gannon; Gaffney, Watts; Greene

We say: Finn Harps 1-3 Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers might have struggled away from home overall this season, but they are a stronger squad overall and that should lead to them taking all three points here.

The hosts are attempting to push themselves out of the relegation zone, but this could end up being a difficult fixture for them to achieve that.

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