If you asked most people what the biggest football game in Ireland this week is, they would probably answer ‘Shamrock Rovers v Real Madrid’ which takes place tonight. In a way, they are right. The game is being televised live by Sky Sports and the 10,800 who will flock to the Tallaght Stadium which will have its capacity boosted by temporary seating will – with the possible exception of the FAI Cup final – be the biggest crowd attracted by a League of Ireland club this year.
Except Rovers have not really attracted the crowd, have they? The majority of the people going to Tallaght will be making their first visit there and, unfortunately, for many of those it may also be their last. There was at least some consideration to the Rovers’ die-hards who were given first refusal on tickets for the game and, even if they are outnumbered this evening, they will make their voices heard and show what, to my mind at least, it means to be a real Irish football fan. And you can bet anything that if you asked anyone in a Hooped jersey which game was more important – this friendly (albeit a very glamorous one) or Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Bohemians (which could result in them being two or eight points adrift of the league leaders), they would have their priorities right.
Prior to that, Bohs have their own game of considerable consequence when they host Red Bull Salzburg. Having claimed a 1-1 draw in Austria, if Bohs were able to complete the second half of their Champions League mission, it would almost certainly rank as the best result by an Irish club in Europe because it is in the most prestigious competition and also because of the disparity in resources available to the clubs. Bohs have been somewhat overshadowed by their arch rivals’ game against Real. The Spaniards are enjoying the lion’s share of publicity this week while I know of at least one sponsor approached by Bohs, who might otherwise have been well-disposed to getting involved with Wednesday’s game, who told them they were already committed to doing something with Rovers.
Despite that, the Jodi Stand at Dalymount Park has already sold out and there were few seats left in the Des Kelly Stand by Sunday night so it looks like there will be a good crowd to cheer on Pat Fenlon’s side. Bohs have their work cut out for them but a 0-0 score-line would see them through. I would be tempted to back a draw but Ladbrokes haven’t priced that game yet so instead I’m going to put my money on this evening’s match. All the logic says Real should win but bear in mind it will be their first game of pre-season and, because Rovers don’t play again for six days, Michael O’Neill will probably field a stronger side than he did against Newcastle United.
I’m going to put €20 on evens on there being more goals in the second half than the first as it should become a more open affair and another €20 on the Asian Handicap of there being more than 3.5 goals at 1.78 and, finally, €5 each way on Gary Twigg at 16/1 to be first scorer
