League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Galway FC

SHELBOURNE

This Friday sees First Division league-leaders Shelbourne entertain Galway FC at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 8.00pm).

Coming into the tie on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Finn Harps in Ballybofey last Friday, Shelbourne will be keen to use home advantage to get themselves back in form and back among the three points.

But it's not going to be a simple task, and they'll be fully aware of the threat that Galway pose.

And Shels boss Johnny McDonnell insinuated as much when asked to give his thoughts following the Harps match: “We are gearing up for another big game in this very tough and tight First Division.”

He added: “Looking back at all games we played, there is not much between all the teams in the division. Last week's game in Finn Harps just highlighted this, with a very tight game – and Friday's game with Galway will be no different.”

Reflecting back on the last time these two sides met, reveals a narrow margin of victory for the Dublin side when they came away from Eamonn Deacy Park with a last minute winner – and it's looking like this Friday's affair could be just as closely-contested as that.

GALWAY FC

So far, Galway are the only side, across either division to have remained unbeaten away from home – an impressive statistic they will likely defend with purpose and heart when they make the long trip east this Friday.

With an arduous and wearisome spell now almost behind them, which has seen manager Tommy Dunne's men play three away matches in the space of a week against Cobh Ramblers, Wexford Youths and now Shelbourne, all involved at the club will be eager to round it off with a win.

Most recently, Dunne had to watch his side fall to defeat in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final on spot-kicks against Wexford Youths, but even with defeat, there were positives to be drawn.

Speaking after the defeat, Dunne let his feelings be known: “It was disappointing to lose it on penalties, we were by far the better team.”

And, focusing on Galway's recent hectic schedule, the 40-year-old coach, seems to have made a point of making sure his players are ready for the challenge: “Hopefully there won't be too much ill-effects from all the traveling. It's in the mind, the players have to be strong mentally and I think they will be for sure.”

And he knows it's going to be extra tough considering the opposition: “From our point of view, we want to be there or thereabouts going into the business end of the season. From that aspect, we need to get a result. We know it will be difficult, Shelbourne are not league leaders for nothing.”

Referee: B Connolly

MATCH STATS

Galway are unbeaten in six away matches this season and will look to build upon that heading in to the weekend.

BETTING

Shelbourne 6/5; Draw 11/5; Galway 2/1

PREDICTION

This one should end in a win for Shelbourne, all things considered. The injuries are piling up for Galway and fatigue should play its part. An entertaining 2-1 win for McDonnell's charges.

Galway

Injuries: Marc Ludden (calf) and Alan Murphy (ankle)

Doubtful: Ryan Connolly (back)

Suspensions: None

Shelbourne

Injuries: None

Doubtful: John Sullivan, Jordan Keegan and Conor Murphy

International Duty: Dylan Connolly, Ryan Robinson 

Suspensions: None