League Preview: Waterford United -v- Shelbourne
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WATERFORD UNITED
Waterford United host promotion chasing Shelbourne at the RSC on Friday night having lost their last three games on the bounce.
The Blues come into this game on the back of a fighting performance away to Galway FC last week that ultimately ended with them falling the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash, Blues manager Tommy Griffin said his young team will not be overawed by the challenge posed by Johnny McDonnell's side.
''We have Shelbourne now but these lads have no fear'', he told http://www.waterford-united.ie/.
''I’d love for them to get a positive result under their belts especially at home. We know that it won’t be easy but one thing for sure is that the players don’t fear playing anyone and they’re actually looking forward to the game.''
Kevin O'Connor, Thomas Croke and Willie John Kiely remain sidelined through injury whilst Conor Whittle is a doubt with a hip problem along with Conor Breslin (illness) who will have his fitness assessed closer to the game.
On a positive note for Griffin, Gavin O'Donovan is available for selection having recovered from a recent knock.
SHELBOURNE
Shelbourne will hope to keep the pressure on SSE Airtricity League First Division leaders Longford Town by coming away from the RSC with all three points this weekend.
Despite having the better of the chances the Reds played out a scoreless draw with the midlands side last week before bowing out of the FAI Cup to Dublin rivals St. Pat's following a fourth round replay defeat on Monday night.
Despite their cup exit Shels boss Johnny McDonnell declared himself pleased with his side’s showing against the Inchicore men.
''I was disappointed to lose but I thought the performance was fantastic'', he told shelbournefc.ie. ''I thought the players were great. We should have been one up definitely, possible two nil up, as much as they had a lot of the ball in the first half. I think if we perform like that, we’ll be fine coming through to the end of the season.''
Sitting second in the table with just five games to left to play, Shels look well placed to grab at least a play-off spot and therefore, McDonnell insists the 2006 Premier Division champions' league status for next season is a matter very much in their own hands.
''I’m confident in the group that we can achieve something – and if we don’t, it’ll be our own fault. I don’t think many teams can beat us. If we perform to our high standards we’ll be alright.''
Darren Tinnelly will miss out through injury for the Tolka Park outfit whilst former Sheffield United man Keith Quinn is a doubt with a knee problem.
Referee: Robert Hennessy
MATCH STATS
The last meeting between these sides was at Tolka Park back in mid-July. That particular encounter ended in a 3-1 home win for Shelbourne.
The Blues are without a win in their last nine league game with their last First Division victory coming away to Shamrock Rovers 'B' in early June.
Dylan Connolly is Shels' top scorer so far this season with seven goals in all competitions, a tally which equals that of Waterford's main marksman, Willie John Kiely.
BETTING
Waterford United 9/1; draw 10/3; 1/3 Shelbourne
PREDICTION
A 2-0 win for Shels
Waterford United
Injured: Thomas Croke, Kevin O'Connor, Willie John Kiely.
Doubtful: Cormac Breslin (hip), Conor Whittle (illness).
Suspended: None.
Shelbourne
Injured: Darren Tinnelly.
Doubtful: Keith Quinn (knee).
Suspended: None.
