Against All Odds: Stephen Kenny to get revenge at old club

It seems a lifetime ago since Shamrock were lining up to face Spurs in the Europa League

Dundalk have made a bright start to their campaign in Ireland and Paul Robinson is backing them to continue their good form by avoiding defeat during the 90 minutes in their EA Sports Cup tie at Shamrock Rovers this evening.

Shamrock Rovers could only finish in fourth place last year and that meant a change of manager for the Hoops. Trevor Croly was appointed as boss in 2013 and the former assistant had his first job as a number one. It's been a slow beginning for him though as Rovers are only sixth in the table after 14 games with just three victories to their name.

In defence of the manager, his side have only lost twice, but an astonishing nine draws has hindered their progress and they already trail Sligo at the top by 12 points having played a game more. Things have been a bit better away from the league though as they lifted the Setanta Cup 10 days ago, beating Drogheda 7-1 in the final.

Dundalk also have a new manager at the helm and in a twist of fate, the man in charge is Stephen Kenny. Kenny was sacked by Shamrock Rovers last September after a 1-0 home defeat to Bohemians.

He is doing much better at the moment though as he has his side up in fourth place - a quite remarkable feat considering that they had to come through a relegation play-off tie to keep their top flight status last year.

The Lilywhites have amassed 24 points from 13 fixtures to date, losing just three times. One of those defeats was at Tallaght Stadium and Dundalk do have a terrible head to head record with Shamrock, but this is the cup and they will be highly motivated to exact revenge.

Dundalk have been the better team this season and although Shamrock Rovers do appear to have the Indian sign over them, I think they have to be opposed to get the job done in 90 minutes at around the 1.794/5 mark. That's why, at the prices, I'm making them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk @ 1.794/5

2013 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 140 pts
Returned: 128.41 pts
P/L – 11.59 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)