League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Wexford

SHELBOURNE

Title favourites Shelbourne were always going to take a few weeks to gel with so many new players being recruited over the off season.

Ahead of tonight’s game they currently sit in second place on six points just three points behind early leaders Bray Wanderers.

They welcome Wexford to Tolka Park where they will be hoping to pick up their first league win at home this season having lost their home opener against Dublin rivals Cabinteely two weeks ago.

On the road, Ian Morris’s side have picked up maximum points with win’s against Galway United and Athlone Town.

Morris is calling for another big crowd to come out and get behind the team on Friday as they look to build on their win last week against Athlone and start to get the momentum going.

“The crowds have been great for us and the boys have been talking about the crowd and how they feed off it. said Morris ahead of the game against Wexford.
 
“We’ll look to bring them more results and 100%, the players say it is a big boost. It’s an integral part of the success we want to achieve together.

“Furlong will be their biggest threat but they also have four players back available after a tough night for them in Cobh. We will have to have our preparation right mentally, mistakes can happen, so we need to have the right approach.”

WEXFORD F.C

Wexford have had a tough start to the 2019 First Division season and are still looking for their first points of the season as they travel to Tolka Park this evening.



They have also fallen at the first hurdle in both the E.A Sports Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup in recent weeks too. Narrowly beaten by Bray Wanderers in the E.A Sports Cup and bowing out to St. Pats in the Leinster Senior Cup.

In three league games so far Wexford have lost all three conceding fourteen goals in the process and scoring just three.

Sean Callan and Thomas Croke are both back in contention and available having recovered from their respective injuries.

Manager Brian O’Sullivan will also be delighted to have striker Danny Furlong back having served his suspension for a red card he picked up on the opening night of the season against Athlone. Danny Doyle is also back in the squad following his suspension.

Referee: David Dunne

MATCH STATS



Jack Doherty is Wexford’s top league goal scorer this season with two goals in their opening three league games.

Ciaran Kilduff leads the way for Shelbourne in front of goal with three goals in three league games.

Wexford are still looking for their first points of the new season with three losses in their opening three games. Shelbourne currently occupy second place with six points from their opening three games.

BETTING

Shelbourne 1/16; Draw 17/2; Wexford 17/1

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 4-0 Wexford

Shelbourne

Injured:  Shane Farrell

Doubtful: Alex O’Hanlon, Greg Moorhouse

Suspended: None

Wexford F.C

Injured: Chris Kenny

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None