League Preview: Shelbourne - V - Cobh Ramblers

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne host Cobh Ramblers at Tolka Park on Friday night on the back of an exciting 3-2 victory over fellow promotion chasers Longford Town.

A hattrick against his former side helped striker David Sullivan endear himself to the Shels faithful on what was his home debut.

Owen Heary’s men have endured a mixed start to their 2018 campaign, losing away to UCD before picking up a point away at Finn Harps and securing their first win last Friday night.

Shels will be without Dave Mulchay, Mark Hughes and Aidan Collins for the visit of the Munster outfit as the trio continue to nurse respective injuries.

COBH RAMBLERS

Like Shelbourne, Cobh have had a mixed bag in terms of results in their opening three games.

An opening night comeback against Longford that saw Henderson’s men bounce back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 was an adequate start.  Cobh then followed that up by beating Cabinteely 1-0 in Stradbrook before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at home to Finn harps last weekend.

Anthony McAlavey is sure to be involved in most good things about Henderson’s side this campaign after the forward moved from Waterford in the winter.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

Cobh are unbeaten in their last two trips to Tolka Park.

Shelbourne’s last home league defeat came at the hands of Stephen Henderson’s men last August.

Shelbourne haven’t kept a clean-sheet since last June when they drew 0-0 with Longford Town at Tolka Park.

BETTING

Shelboure 8/11; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-1 Cobh Ramblers

Shelbourne

Injured: Aidan Collins, Mark Hughes, Dave Mulcahy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.