The top two are set to face off at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night as Shamrock Rovers host table toppers Drogheda United.
The Hoops picked up their first win in five after an impressive first-half showing in the 2-0 home win over Sligo Rovers.
The Drogs ended their similar run after scoring a late penalty to take all three points against Cork City.
Shamrock Rovers May Take Control of Premier Division Title Race
Despite losing out to Shelbourne on the final day of the 2024 Premier Division title race and remaining possibly a couple of gears from their best this campaign, it would be a mistake to label the club as anything other than probable champions.
St. Patrick’s Athletic are a genuine contender, as are a couple of other teams in the top-flight, but Shamrock Rovers possess two of the best players that have ever played their trade on these shores.
Jack Byrne and Graham Burke have contributed to a combined 13 goals, and it is their moments of inspiration that have led to Stephen Bradley’s side losing just one of their last 11 matches.
Burke does not feature from the start in every outing, with his workload carefully managed to ensure the best is brought out of the former Republic of Ireland international.
Byrne, another former Republic of Ireland international, sits top of the charts for assists alongside Sligo Rovers’ Will Fitzgerald.
Both players are a joy to watch on the ball and will have a major say in the Premier Division title race.
No team in the division can boast two players of their quality, and if they can both stay fit and continue to produce something close to their best, there does not appear to be any side that can match Shamrock Rovers as the season progresses.
Drogheda United Continue to Prevail at The Top
It has been a remarkable campaign for Drogheda United, who continue to defy expectations and sit at the top of the table after 14 matches.
The club are proving to be capable of staying the pace in the Premier Division title race and have used last season’s FAI Cup success as a springboard to maintain their progression.
They appear to have the squad depth to remain active towards the top of the table, and 2024’s First Division relegation play-off is a distant memory that will not be repeated this year.
Defensively, they have been committing costly mistakes in their last three matches, and they will be punished if they do not cut these out at Tallaght Stadium.
46% of their total goals conceded have been scored in the last three matches, and they did let a two-goal lead slip at the Showgrounds before the late win over Cork City.
The manager has acknowledged as much, admitting he was ‘annoyed’ that the team conceded twice despite the late win over the Rebel Army, but did strike an optimistic tone.
According to the Irish Mirror, he said ahead of the trip to Shamrock Rovers:
“We have been around the top of the league for most of the season, so it’s a great feeling. But I am genuinely thinking about picking up the next win, not looking any further beyond Friday’s game.
“We haven’t done anything yet. There is certainly a narrative change around the place. People were surprised when I was critical on Friday. That’s my job. Trust me, I didn’t go in on Monday high-fiving everyone. It was brilliant. We will enjoy the win but I was seriously annoyed by the two goals we conceded.
“We were in control of the game and we didn’t defend properly. Up until Monday we had the best defensive record in the league. So to defend like that and concede two horrendous goals; that’s annoying. No one is scoring wonder goals against us.
“They are dribbling over the line. Their second goal squirmed in. We certainly have not had luck on our side.”
Hoops to Make a Statement and Move Above League Leaders
There may be a long way to go with multiple twists and turns yet to come in the Premier Division title race, but Friday may indicate who should be the favourites.
Shamrock Rovers have a star-studded team, from their goalkeeper to the technical excellence provided by Byrne and Burke.
They may lack a goalscorer that will fire them clear of their rivals, but it appears to only be a matter of time before they seize top spot and begin an unbeaten run.
This may start on Friday night when the league leaders arrive. Home win.