League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Waterford United

SHELBOURNE

The Shelbourne team will have some tired legs after playing 120 minutes on Tuesday night against UCD in the Leinster Senior Cup. Strong performances from one or two players who had not played in earlier matches this season may well give Johnny McDonnell a bit of a selection headache.

Shelbourne have started the season strongly by dispatching Wexford Youths in their first game at Tolka Park and then beating Longford Town last Friday at the City Calling Stadium.

The club will hope to continue that momentum against Waterford United who are also believed to be in contention for promotion this season.

Johnny McDonnell expects a tough match against the Blues:  “We have [the] utmost respect for a formidable Waterford team and if we are to get any return we must be at our highest standards.” 

 
WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United will hope to make it three clean sheets in a row, having held both Finn Harps and Galway FC to 0-0 draws.

Manager, Tommy Griffin, is very happy with the defensive solidity his side have shown in their first two games. Having created a number of chances in their first two games, he hopes that they can bring these efforts to fruition against Shelbourne.

“We have played some excellent football in the two opening games and I believe that the goals will come sooner rather than later” he said after the match against Galway FC last Friday.

Tommy Dunne (Galway FC manager) felt his side gained a point against the Blues last weekend. “Overall, I think they are a good solid team... I think they won’t be far off the pace come the end of the season” he said to galw ayfc.ie.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan

MATCH STATS

Neither team has conceded a goal so far this season.

The last time Shelbourne hosted Waterford United was July 9th 2011. The hosts won 2-1 with goals from David Cassidy and Conan Byrne for Shelbourne and Willie John Kiely for Waterford United.

Shelbourne are the only team in the First Division with a perfect record of two wins from two.

BETTING

Shelbourne 4/6; Draw 12/5; Waterford United 11/4

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-0 Waterford United

 
Shelbourne

Injured: John Sullivan (doubtful - thigh strain).
Suspended: None.

Waterford United

Injured: Shaun Corcoran (very doubtful – hip) and Shane Murray(doubtful - illness).
Suspended: None.