League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town

Shelbourne are hoping to keep up with the leaders of the First Division as they play at home to Athlone Town, who will have slim hopes of catching up too. Kick-off at Tolka Park is 7.45pm.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne currently sit fourth in the First Division table, level on points with third-place UCD but nine points off table-toppers Wexford Youths in the only automatic promotion spot. In contrast to their defeats to Ipswich Town and Hearts in recent friendlies, Shels head into the game three league matches unbeaten, defeating Cabinteely last time out.

James English followed up his impressive two goal haul in the 4-2 loss to Hearts by netting on his competitive debut for Shels as they came away with a 1-0 victory over second from bottom Cabo. Reds boss Kevin Doherty will be hoping for more of the same from English as his side have scored less and conceded more than all of the teams above them.

In terms of goalscoring, Gareth Coughlan is Shels' current top goalscorer with six goals to his name. Philly Hughes has netted five times this season, with three coming in the 3-2 win over Finn Harps the week before the Cabinteely game. Striker Mark Sandford has scored three league goals but he won’t be playing any part against Athlone Town.

Sandford will miss the game through an additional suspension from his red card in the match at Finn Harps. Simon Dixon and Jack Brady will also be sitting out the match through injury while Conor Earley, Colm Crowe and Craig Walsh are all rated as doubtful.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone come into the game one place below Shelbourne in fifth and six points off their opponents, albeit with a game in hand. However, defeat to the Reds could put a big dent in their play-off hopes as the Midlanders would be nine points off the pace with eleven games left. Last time out they were roundly beaten by a rejuvenated Cobh Ramblers.

A 4-1 defeat to the Rams means that Athlone have suffered three losses in their last five games, although the other two matches were 1-0 wins over Waterford United and Finn Harps. Philly Gorman scored Athlone’s consolation against Cobh and he is their top goalscorer with seven goals this season. Keeping up the good goalscoring surname of Coughlan is Garbhan, who has five goals to his name for the Town.

Athlone's inconsistent form has seen relatively new manager Alan Mathews turn to the transfer market for an answer. Wide midfielder Richie Purdy joins his brother Daniel at the club having signed on loan from Shamrock Rovers. Defender James O’Donnell has come in from Bray Wanderers while attackers Jamie O’Neill and Adam Kelly have also arrived at Lissywollen.

All the signings will be hopefully registered in time for the match against Shelbourne, but Marco Chindea will miss out due to injury while Aidan Collins will undergo a late fitness test.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

There have been goals in the two earlier meetings between these sides. Athlone won the first match 3-1 at Tolka Park in March while Shelbourne won 3-2 in Lissywollen in May.

Shelbourne have won three of their last four home games, drawing the other. Athlone, on the other hand, have lost three of their last four away games, winning the other.

Shelbourne have received the most penalties with four, all of which were scored, but they have also conceded the most penalties with six, all of which were scored.

BETTING

Shelbourne 4/5; Draw 12/5; Athlone Town 3/1.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 3-1 Athlone Town.

Shelbourne

Injured: Simon Dixon, Jack Brady.

Doubtful: Conor Earley, Colm Cowe, Craig Walsh.

Suspended: Mark Sandford.

Athlone Town

Injured: Marco Chindea.

Doubtful: Aidan Collins.

Suspended: None.