Dundalk -v- Shelbourne
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Dundalk welcome Shelbourne to Oriel Park on Friday night in match thirteen of the Airtricity League (kick-off 7.45 p.m.)
DUNDALK
After seeing their winning streak away from home end on Monday evening at Tallaght Stadium, Dundalk will be looking to bounce back at Oriel Park against a struggling Shelbourne. A remarkable 5 away victories in a row so far this season for the Lilywhites however they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers last weekend.
Having picked up just their first home win two weeks ago against Cork City, they will be looking to win successive home games for the first time this season. The Louth club sit in fourth position, eight points off the lead, after a hugely impressive start to the season. A win would keep them in touching distance with the leading trio and maintain their four point gap over fifth position.
In team news, Dundalk do not have any suspensions this week however they will be without the services of Chris Shields through a knee injury while vice-captain Mark Rossiter is a doubt also with a knee injury but he will be given every possible chance to play.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, manager Stephen Kenny was full of praise for his squad after their start while knowing they will need to raise themselves up for the visit of Shels.
“The players have been excellent so far. They have given it everything and we can’t fault them. We have done exceptionally well in the opening third of the season. We have picked up some good wins and have got a good points total so far.
“We have to pick ourselves up now and go again. It’s a difficult game against Shelbourne. We’ll have to be at our best to get a result. We have to dust ourselves down and make sure we’re ready for the challenge”
SHELBOURNE
Despite their defeat on Monday evening to Bray Wanderers, Shelbourne have had some encouraging results in recent weeks. A 0-0 draw with Limerick was followed by a 2-0 win against UCD last Friday evening however that defeat to the Seagulls’ last weekend was a major setback to their progress this season.
The Drumcondra outfit sit bottom of the Airtricity League table heading down the M1 on Friday evening in desperate need of three points. They currently have accumulate just six points one point away from Bray Wanderers and UCD. A win away to the Lilywhites would be a brilliant result and would hand them their first victory against Stephen Kenny’s charges this season, at the third attempt.
For their venture to County Louth, Shels will be without the suspended Robert Bayly while Glen Cronin is ruled out with an ankle injury as is goalkeeper Niall Bourdon, who was so impressive in the EA Sports Cup tie between the sides in March has a hamstring problem. Shels have a number of doubts also with Paul Crowley(hamstring), Adam Hanlon(calf), Robert Cornwall(foot), Sean Brennan(ankle), Dean Kelly and Mark Leech (both groin). They will all be given until late on Friday until they are deemed unfit.
Referee: Alan Kelly
MATCH STATS
Dundalk will be looking to win back-to-back home league matches for the first time since May-June 2011.
Shelbourne are unbeaten at Oriel Park at the Premier Division since May 1998.
Both sides have four former players in each squad. For Dundalk, John Sullivan, Andy Boyle and Darren Meenan have all spent time at Tolka Park. Tiarnan Mulvenna also signed for Shels but didn’t get to line out for the club due to problems with his registration. For Shels, Paul Crowley, Ian Ryan, Philip Hughes and Ger Hanley have all been at Oriel Park.
BETTING
Dundalk – 8/15 Draw – 13/5 Shelbourne – 11/2
PREDICTION
Despite the vast differences in the league positions, it won’t be an easy game for the home side but they should edge it - a narrow win for Dundalk 1-0.
Dundalk
Injured: Chris Shields (knee), Mark Rossiter (knee, doubtful)
Suspended: None.
Shelbourne
Injured: Glen Cronin(ankle), Niall Bourdon(hamstring), Paul Crowley(hamstring), Adam Hanlon(calf), Robert Cornwall(foot), Sean Brennan(ankle), Dean Kelly and Mark Leech (both groin) – doubtful.
Suspended: Robert Bayly.
