League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Waterford

Rayhaan Tulloch of Shelbourne

Rayhaan Tulloch of Shelbourne Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

SHELBOURNE

Leaders Shelbourne can take a step towards lifting the Premier Division title on Friday night when they host Waterford at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Despite a wretched run of form, Damien Duff’s side are still top and are two points clear of closest rivals Derry City at the summit.

But they face a Waterford side who have little else to play for other than pride.

“They’ve been tight games with lots of quality,” Duff said on Shels’ past meetings with Waterford this season. 

“They had some players who left but they got in with great ability and they have a manager who knows the league so well. 

“But it’s all about us for the remaining three games. 

“We always analyse the opposition and make our players aware of their strengths and weaknesses. 

“We touched on that but our focus for the next three weeks in everything we do has to be on us."

JJ Lunney is set to return for Shels as will striker Aiden O’Brien. Matty Smith is suspended while Sam Bone and Shane Griffin are both out.



WATERFORD

After securing their top-flight status for 2025 last weekend, Waterford visit Tolka Park with nothing but pride left to play for.

It has been an impressive season for the Blues under boss Keith Long.

And the former Bohemians manager is keen for his side not to only make up the numbers in the remaining weeks of the season.

“We want to try and put in a good performance,” he said when speaking to the Waterford News. 

“We need to be better tonight when we travel to Shelbourne who are top of the table on Friday. 



“We struggled up there the last day so we need to improve in terms of performance up in Tolka Park.”

Kyle White remains absent for the RSC outfit.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Waterford

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sam Bone, Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Matty Smith.

 

Waterford

Injured: Kyle White.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None. 

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