Preview: Dundalk vs Shelbourne

The clash of the top two teams in the First Division, and preseason favourites for promotion, takes place on Thursday between Dundalk and Shelbourne in Oriel Park at 7:45pm.

The previous meeting between the sides this season was the league opener in Tolka Park, where the teams shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw, despite Dundalk having Chris Bennion sent off. Dundalk since then have remained undefeated in the league, with a draw away to Sporting Fingal the only other points dropped .

Shelbourne will be looking to do themselves and the rest of the league a favour by taking all three points from Dundalk. Defeat would mean the opening of an eight-point gap at the top of the table.

In team news, Dermot Keely will be without Philly Hughes, Alan Byrne and Keith Dunne, all of whom are suffering from ankle injuries. John Gill has no suspensions to worry about. Both managers took the chance to rest key players during their league cup defeats ahead of tonight's much anticpated clash.

Kick-off in Oriel Park is 7:45pm.