Shelbourne host Limerick in this clash of promotion chasers at Tolka Park on Friday night (kickoff 8pm), in which a win for either side could greatly bolster their push for those coveted playoff spots.

Limerick lie fourth in the table, just three points off second place. Shels are only a mere point behind the Blues, with a win seeing them leap-frog their opposition in the standings. Although this is sure to be a tense affair, both sides will be confident of getting the three points.

With games running out, both sides realise the importance of getting the results against teams around them. This of course is a game with a history, most notably in the penultimate game of the 2008 season, in which Limerick’s late show cost the Drumcondra outfit promotion to the top tier of Irish football.

The sides have already me this year, with Limerick running out one-nil winners thanks to a headed goal from Declan Cahill on Shannonside. An Alan Matthews’ Shelbourne will look to set the record straight on Friday night with a home win against a Limerick side who appear to be quite a handful to deal with.

Shelbourne will look to the experience of David McGill to lead them through this tie, the Reds’ captain has been a key figure in their recent form, most notably for scoring that winning goal in Turners Cross.

Stephen O’Flynn will be the main goal-scoring threat for Limerick, netting a hat-trick in Tolka Park last year. The ex- Northampton frontman has been in great form since returning, averaging a goal a game.

On recent form, Shelbourne would be considered favourites in this one, losing only once in their last nine competitive games, that loss coming at the hands of league leaders Derry City. Limerick come into this one off the back of a draw against Monaghan United while Shels’ previous league meeting was at Terryland Park, winning by a single goal against Mervue United.

Limerick have a clean bill of health, their only absentee will be the suspended Peter White, who received a straight red card in Ferrycarrig Park a fortnight ago. Shelbourne will have to make do without the services of Sean Byrne, who was banned for an off the ball incident in Galway last week.

Referee: J.McLoughlin
Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin.
Paddypower.com Odds: Shelbourne 11/10 , Draw 11/5, Limerick 21/10.

Shelbourne FC:
Suspensions: Sean Byrne
Injured: None
Doubtful: Eric Foley

Limerick FC:
Suspensions: Peter White
Injured: None
Doubtful: None

Extratime.ie Prediction: Home advantage to make the difference here. 1-0 Shelbourne.