EA Sports Cup Preview: Shelbourne -V- Bohemians

SHELBOURNE

Fresh after back to back wins against Waterford United and  Athlone Town, Shelbourne will be hoping to make it three in a row against Dublin rivals Bohemians when the sides meet in the EA Sports Cup on Monday night.

James English scored five of the seven goals in those two wins away from home and English will hope to continue that form and add to his tally of EA Sports Cup goals this season after the forward netted in the Reds’ first round defeat of Cabinteely.

The last time Shelbourne hosted Bohemians in a competitive fixture was in 2013, a season in which Shels were relegated from the Premier Division. The Gypsies visited twice that season and beat Shelbourne on both occasions. They had better form away from home beating the Gypsies 3-0 at Dalymount Park.

Having already beat Cabinteely to qualify for the second round, Kevin Doherty will be hoping that his side can better last season’s cup run which was ended at this stage by Premier Division champions Dundalk.

BOHEMIANS

The main aim for Bohemians coming into this game will be forgetting Friday night's heavy defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers. Trailing by one goal at half time, The Gypsies conceded 3 more in the second half in a performance they will want to forget.

Bohemians will try to resume their recent strong form, winning three games in a row before Friday's defeat. Their defense was shaky at the start of the season and that resurfaced against Shamrock Rovers so Keith Long will hope that Friday night was a blip and his side can return to their solid nature on Monday night.

Bohs beat Longford Town in the First round 3-1 at Dalymount Park and the Gypsies will hope to put themselves through to the quarter final stage again this season after making it to the final eight last season before losing out to eventual runners up Galway United.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have only won the League Cup on one occasion during the 95/96 season. Bohemians have won it on three occasions, most recently in 2009.

Last season the Gypsies were beaten in the quarter final by Galway United, Shelbourne were beaten in the second round by Dundalk.

The last time Shelbourne went past the second round of the EA Sports Cup, they beat Bohemians 4-2 at Tolka Park in 2011.

BETTING

Shelbourne 11/4; Draw 12/5; Bohemians 10/11.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 0-2 Bohemians

Shelbourne

Injured: Ryan Robinson.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Mark Quigley, Jason Caffrey (hamstring).

Doubtful: Jake Kelly, Dylan Hayes,  Dave Mulcahy.

Suspended: None.