League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Wexford Youths

Third plays second on Friday evening at Tolka Park, as Shelbourne host Wexford Youths in the SSE Airtricity First Division with both sides aiming to keep the pressure on leaders Finn Harps. Kick off 19:45pm.

Shelbourne FC

Shelbourne head into Friday’s game against Wexford Youths on a run five league games without defeat, which includes four victories on the bounce.

In their last outing, Shelbourne had to battle back from a goal down against bottom side Waterford United at the RSC before running out 2-1 victors, thanks to two late goals from Mark Sandford.

If Shels task of controlling Youths top scorer Danny Furlong wasn’t difficult already, manager Kevin Doherty must now plan without defender Adam O’Connor, who was shown a red card in a freak two minute spell last weekend which saw three players receiving red cards.

A victory for the home side on Friday would see them join the visitor’s level on 36 points in second place.

Wexford Youths

Wexford Youths make the trip to Tolka Park on Friday evening knowing a victory over Shelbourne will put six points between the sides, as Youths continue their push for a first promotion to the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

In their last league outing last Friday, Wexford Youths suffered a 3-1 defeat to Athlone Town despite the midlanders playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men.

Last Friday’s defeat ended a run of six straight victories, with the visiting side's last defeat coming in the corresponding fixture on June 05 at Ferrycarrig Park when Shels emerged 3-2 winners.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game Youths boss Shane Keegan is fully aware of the threat the home side pose however, he is also aware his side must improve upon their performance against Athlone last weekend if they are to return to winning ways.

“Shelbourne’s current form is extremely impressive and we know that they will be full of confidence ahead of this game. Last time out for us against Athlone, we didn’t perform and were rightly punished. You'll see a marked difference in our performance and if we do our own job well, we're confident of picking up points”

Match Referee: Ben Connolly

Match Stats

The last time the two sides clashed at Tolka Park, the game had to be halted for 40 minutes due to floodlight failure with Shelbourne leading 1-0. When the game was restarted Wexford Youths ran out winners 4-2.

The two previous fixtures this season have produced 11 goals between them, while Shelbourne’s Gareth Coughlan scored a hat-trick in the side’s last meeting.

A defender has been sent off in both games this season, Shels Ryan Robinson at Tolka Park, while Gary Delaney received his marching orders at Ferrycarrig Park.

Shelbourne has picked up 22 of a possible 27 available since May 9th.

Betting

Shelbourne 11/8, Draw 23/10, Wexford Youths 17/10

Prediction

Shelbourne 2-1 Wexford Youths

Shelbourne FC

Injured: Simon Dixon, Jack Brady, Conor Earley, Colm Crowe

Doubtful:

Suspended: Adam O’Connor

Wexford Youths

Injured: Stephen Last, Dean Broaders, Aidan Keenan,

Doubtful: Conor Whittle, Conor English, Lee Grace

Suspended: None