League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town

SHELBOURNE

A win for Shelbourne against Athlone Town this evening at Tolka Park will keep Owen Heary’s men well on course for a play-off place (kick-off 7.45).

Depending on other results, a win could even see them secure that elusive spot before the weekend is out.

After last weekend’s disappointing cup defeat to promotion rivals Longford Town, Shelbourne will hope to edge closer to a play-off place when they return to league action.

These sides have met each other on four occasions already this season with the Reds coming out on top at the end of all four.

Shels are unbeaten in their last four league games and a home win tonight, and failure by Longford to beat Cabinteely tomorrow evening, would be enough to secure a play-off spot.

Alan Byrne is the only player set to miss out for Shels as the veteran midfielder hasn’t recovered from an injury picked up in the cup defeat last weekend.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town are still chasing their first win on the pitch this season and have just two fixtures left to do so.

The league table for them shows they have picked up six points to date this season.

Three of these were hard fought draws and the remaining three points were three that they were awarded following after Wexford fielded an ineligible player.

Their final game of the season will take place against Wexford, who sit closest to them in the table with seven points seperating the two sides.

Athlone have not provided any team news.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

MATCH FACTS

These sides have met each other on four occasions so far this season with Shelbourne coming out on the right side of things in all four meetings.

Athlone Town are still in search of their first three points of the season on the pitch. Their six point total to date includes three draws and a walkover against Wexford.

A win for Shelbourne and a favour from Dublin neighbours Cabinteely against Longford would guarantee Owen Hearys side a play-off place.

BETTING

Shelbourne 1/25; Draw 12/1; Athlone Town 33/1.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 4-0 Athlone Town

Shelbourne

Injured: Alan Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.