League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Shamrock Rovers

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SHELBOURNE

Damien Duff is ready for his side’s test against ‘the best team in the league’ when Shelbourne welcome Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Reds come into this latest instalment of the Ringsend Derby off the back of a hard-fought draw against Dundalk last weekend.

And that draw has kept their European ambitions alive with Shels hoping to return to continental action for the first time in almost two decades.

But Shelbourne face a serious test of their mettle when they welcome the Hoops to Drumcondra.

Their task has also been heightened with Sean Boyd, Matty Smith, Kameron Ledwidge and Brian McManus all out with injuries.

“They’re the best team in the league,” Duff said this week when speaking to his club’s media team.

“I’m a blow-in to the League of Ireland but there is no doubt for me that Rovers are the best team I’ve seen and they are hot favourites to win it again and make it four in a row.

“I wouldn’t read into the form. We played in Tolka and it was six games into the season and they hadn’t won the previous 5, they were very good. 

“Regardless of whatever run of results, they have amazing quality.



“They have the best players, biggest and best squad. Their last few weeks, form and setbacks in Europe is irrelevant, we know what to expect tomorrow.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Stephen Bradley is expecting a different challenge to what he has faced against Shelbourne before under Duff when he brings the Hoops to Tolka Park.

Rovers are top of the pile with a four-point cushion, although their lead has been cut in recent weeks amid their recent struggles.

But Friday offers them a chance to make amends for their sluggish form with Bohemians and/or St Patrick’s Athletic set to drop points when the pair meet at Richmond Park at the same time.

“You do have to review the last few games and look back at how they played against us but Shels have changed their shape in the past few weeks, they’re playing a different way,” Bradley told his club’s website.



“One thing that doesn’t change is they’ll be really well organised.

“Damien has them tactically well organised, and they don’t give up many chances or goals. That doesn’t change whatever system they play.

“Then you’ve to respect how they play in transition and how they can hurt you as they did in Tallaght. We know what they’re going to bring to the table so we have to respect what they’re good at.”

Rovers remain without Neil Farrugia, Rory Gaffney, Sean Hoare and Lee Grace through injury. Trevor Clarke will return.

Referee: David Dunne.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have the best defensive record in the Premier Division this season having conceded just 18 goals inside 26 games. Shamrock Rovers have coughed up 23 themselves which is one more than what they concede during the entirety of the 2022 campaign.

The Hoops have not lost a league game against Shelbourne since 2005 – a 2-0 win at Tolka Park on that occasion. That run has spanned 15 games, although Shels have beaten them in the FAI Cup during that period in 2012 on their way to the final.

Damien Duff’s side are unbeaten at home in the league since May 19 when they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to St Patrick’s Athletic. Rovers however are winless on the road in their last six games in all competitions. Their last away win came against Sligo Rovers on June 5.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean Boyd, Kameron Ledwidge, Matty Smith, Brian McManus.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Rory Gaffney, Neil Farrugia, Lee Grace, Sean Hoare.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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