League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Drogheda United

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SHELBOURNE 

Shelbourne host Drogheda United at Tolka Park on Friday knowing that a win could see them become Premier Division champions by Sunday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Should the Reds defeat Drogheda, Derry City fail to beat St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers slip up against Dundalk on Sunday, Shels would be crowned league winners.

However, that is all dependent on Shels winning at home against Drogheda with Matty Smith and Mark Coyle both suspended. Shane Griffin and Sam Bone are both injured.

“I won’t be debating what kind of performance is coming. I expect a top, top performance from Drogheda—they’re a very tough team,” boss Damien Duff said.

“They’ve been really close games every time we’ve played. There’s a reason they’ve upset many brilliant teams and there’s a reason why they’re in the cup final. 

“They’re tough, they have quality all over the pitch, they are well-organised, with a top manager in Kevin and top people around the club. 

“We respect them 100%, but at the end of the day, Friday night, it comes down to us and what we do.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

With their promotion/relegation playoff place confirmed for next month, FAI Cup finalists Drogheda United head to Tolka Park with little else but pride to play for.



Though they have been a thorn in Shelbourne’s side this season having drawn with them in all of the three previous meetings between the teams.

The first meeting in April ended 2-2 in Weavers Park while the games in May and July finished 1-1.

Drogheda also come into the Tolka Park clash off the back of a 1-0 loss to Shamrock Rovers last weekend with a Dylan Watts stunner condemning them to defeat.

But following Dundalk’s loss to Derry City last weekend, they were officially safe from automatic relegation.

In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out through injury, while Frantz Pierrot and Conor Kane remain doubtful.

Referee: Neil Doyle. 



 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-0 Drogheda United

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sam Bone, Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Mark Coyle, Matty Smith.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Zishim Bawa.

Doubtful: Frantz Pierrot, Conor Kane.

Suspended: None. 

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