League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Derry City

None

SHELBOURNE

League leaders Shelbourne host second-placed Derry City on Monday night in front of the Virgin Media TV cameras at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Reds have not played in the league since July 4 owing to European and FAI Cup commitments.

But they are top of the pile heading into the business end of the campaign and can move six points clear of Derry with a win, and they also have a game in hand on the Candystripes. 

And the importance of the game is not lost on boss Damien Duff.

“It’s probably the biggest game at Tolka Park for 20 years,” he told the Irish Examiner.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this so we can’t let it pass us. Maybe Derry have bigger names who’ve dealt with these occasions in the past but at some stage our guys have to stand up and be counted.”

Shels will be without suspended pair Paddy Barrett and Tyreke Wilson who are suspended, while Dean Williams is injured.

DERRY CITY 

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins reckons his side’s title showdown with Shelbourne will not decide the destination of top spot at the end of the season.



City could go level on points with Shels if they win, although they have played a game more than the Reds at this stage of the season.

But a defeat would leave them six behind with a game extra played.

“There’s 33 points to play for. I don’t think it’ll be the deciding factor by any stretch,” Higgins said, as quoted by the Belfast Telegraph.

“Another thing I would say is that Shamrock Rovers are far from dead and buried in my opinion.

“There’s another couple of clubs creeping up behind as well. This is a really important game. There’s no denying that, but is it going to be a deciding factor? I doubt it.”

Derry will be without long-term injury absentees Ronan Boyce and Patrick McEleney on Monday night.



Referee: Damien MacGraith. 

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Derry City

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Dean Williams.

Doubtful: Sean Boyd.

Suspended: Paddy Barrett, Tyreke Wilson.

 

Derry City

Injured: Ronan Boyce, Patrick McEleney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile