League Preview: Shelbourne -v- St Patrick’s Athletic

SHELBOURNE

Damien Duff’s Shelbourne will be looking to maintain their scintillating start to the season when they host bitter rivals St Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park.

In front of the Virgin Media TV cameras for the first time, the Reds are riding the crest of a wave under the former Ireland international this season.

And their form has seen them creep ahead of the Saints in the table with a game less played.

But Duff reckons the Athletic are still favourites to come out on top between the pair.

“They’re the team that were hoping to challenge for the title,” he said. “People are probably shocked by our position and maybe surprised where they are in the table.

“When you look at the budget and everything else most people would think they’d be ahead of us.

“We’re not playing with pressure; I think it’s all on them. Come 10pm tomorrow we still plan to be ahead of them.”

Sean Boyd is in contention to return to the Reds’ starting XI alongside Gavin Molloy.

Conor Kane remains out while Paddy Barrett is a major doubt after pulling up in training this week.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Interim Saints boss Jon Daly will be looking for a reaction when he brings his side to Tolka Park this evening.

After seeing off Cork City and Drogheda United in his first two games in charge, Daly saw his charges fall to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Shamrock Rovers on Monday night.

And with just Joe Redmond out, Daly is expecting his side to give him a performance.

“It's another big game for us and an opportunity to get back to winning ways,” he said.

“The lads recovered well on Tuesday and we began our preparations for Shelbourne on Wednesday morning and the lads trained well.

“We beat Shelbourne 1-0 earlier in the season in a tight game and I think tomorrow could be a similar type of game.

“Shelbourne haven't conceded many goals, ten in total, six of those from set plays, one of them against us.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-1 St Patrick’s Athletic

Shelbourne

Injured: Conor Kane.

Doubtful: Sean Boyd, Paddy Barrett, Gavin Molloy.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Joe Redmond.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.