LOI preview: Champions Shels to meet Shamrock Rovers

Week three of the new League of Ireland season brings a blockbuster encounter from Tolka Park where the early hopes of Shelbourne retaining their crown will be tested by a Shamrock Rovers side seeking their first points of the season.

It has a been a unique starting point for the Hoops.

Amidst an unprecedented European knockout match in February, as well as a 30,000+ attended Dublin derby with Bohemians, comes the reality check that they must avoid a slow beginning to their 2025 campaign.

Stephen Bradley has been adamant his side can cope with the hectic opening to the year, given their history of balancing European commitments while landing the four in-a-row title feat that came so close to being five.

However, early season injuries and some setbacks in recruitment has left them with a weaker hand at the moment, at least on paper.

Rory Gaffney has penned a new deal and more new talent will be sought in attack despite the closure of the window. Free agents are still available to join club.

It's far from the perfect scenario as they look to regain their crown. Last week’s postponement against Cork City may well have privately been welcomed after the comedown to the loss to Molde and what would have been a poor surface for a third match in four days at the Tallaght venue.

It has given tonight’s visitors to Tolka Park time to rest bodies and firmly put their attentions on league matters

For Shels it has been close to smooth sailing for the beginning of the 2025 Premier Division.

Maximum points from games with Waterford and Derry City has put them where they spent most of last year – top of the table – and with better resources behind them this year.

While it is just a third match of the season, and second for the Hoops, this game