EA Sports Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Shelbourne

DERRY CITY 

Derry’s fine recent unbeaten run was brought to an end on Friday night at the Carlisle Grounds as a Ronan Coughlan brace secured all three points for Bray Wanderers. 

This evening’s EA Sports tie against Shelbourne (kick off 5pm) will be Derry’s third game in seven days having made the long trip to Limerick last Monday running out comfortable 3-0 winners. 

Upon returning to the redeveloped Brandywell, Derry are been unbeaten in six games and will hope to extend this run and get back to winning ways.

The frantic period of fixtures will continue as Derry prepare to host Cork on Friday with Dundalk the opponents next Monday. 

Speaking ahead of the game City boss Kenny Shiels was quick to ensure the focus was on Owen Heary’s men.

"We've discussed the busy programme already and I've nothing more to add to that. What I will say is that the semi-finals of this competition are much further down the line and likely to be played at a time when there are a lot less matches to be negotiated. 

“I really want us to be involved in those so it's very important that we get the right result.

"Everyone should be available for this game and while I obviously have an approach in mind it makes more sense to wait and assess things closer to kick off.

"Shelbourne are a good side and the majority of their squad have played Premier Division football in the past couple of seasons. 



“I am really hopeful that our supporters turn out in numbers for the match and continue to create that fantastic atmosphere that has helped us so much recently."

 

SHELBOURNE 

The Reds emphatically qualified for the quarter-final of the league cup trouncing Drogheda 7-2 in the last 16. 

On Friday night they welcomed top of the table UCD to Tolka Park as both sides shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw.

Shels have won five, drawn three and lost two and currently sit fourth in the First Division table. 



Owen Heary’s side have already accounted for Premier opposition in this competition seeing off Bray Wanderers in the opening round, coincidentally, the team that beat Derry last Friday night.

The sides have not met competitively since 2013 when Derry won all three of the Premier Division fixtures.

 

Referee:Damian McGraith 

 

MATCH STATS

Last three league matches: Derry City WDL; Shelbourne; WDD

Derry hold the record for the most League Cup titles with ten wins.

The sides met in the 2006 decider at the Brandywell which Derry ran out winners on penalties. Pat Jennings Jr was the hero saving all of the Shelbourne penalties.

Both sides of fourth in their respective SSE Airtricity Divisions.

 

BETTING 

Derry City 1/4; Draw 7/2; Shelbourne 17/2.

 

PREDICTION 

Derry City 2-0 Shelbourne  

 

Derry City 

Injured:None.

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended:None.

 

Shelbourne 

Injured:Aidan Collins.

Doubtful:Dayle Rooney, Arran Molloy. 

Suspended:  None. 

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