Dundalk -v- Shelbourne

DUNDALK

Having claimed their first victory of the season two weeks ago, incidentally scoring their first goals, Dundalk were brought crashing back down to earth last weekend as they were beaten 3-0 by title challengers Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds. The scoreline however didn’t reflect the spirited performance by the Lilywhites who were unfortunate not to go in front in the first half.

The lack of goals for the home side is a concern. Although they broke their goal-scoring duck two weeks ago against UCD, the lack of conviction the forwards have shown in front of goal is a worrying trend for Lilywhites boss Seán McCaffrey. Despite the lack of goals, what will be encouraging for the manager is that the performances are improving game on game, as his newly assembled squad begin to settle.

Derek Foran and John Mountney face late fitness tests and will be given as much time as possible to prove their fitness. Luke Danville will miss out once again while Eoghan Osborne and Mark Griffin remain out although it is hoped that they will be fit towards the end of the month. Nathan Murphy and Paul Walsh who both missed last weekend’s defeat to Sligo, are expected to return to the squad. Once again some of the youth players may be included in the squad.

Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat after an impressive first half performance last weekend, Liam Burns is looking for a 90 minute performance instead of just 45 minutes.

“If you look over the full 90 minutes, especially in the first half, we can be very pleased with our performance. At the end of the day, the game isn’t played over 45 minutes. Every week, you can see we’re improving and we’re starting to gel. Once we get everyone in come June – because there are a few lads away during the week with college and that – you’ll see a better team.”

SHELBOURNE

After a solid start to the season, Shelbourne head to Oriel Park on Friday night hopeful of claiming all three points. After their disappointing defeat in Tallaght two weeks ago, Shels claimed a hard fought point in another Dublin derby, this time against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Despite having Glen Cronin red carded, the Drumcondra outfit battled bravely and held out for an admirable draw. Those fighting qualities will undoubtedly be needed if they are to pick up anything from this weekend’s game.

Shels go to the border venue having picked up eight points from their opening five matches. Impressive victories over Derry City and Bohemians, and also a draw against Sligo Rovers, proves the quality within the squad and with those big results under their belts, the players and fans alike will see no reason why they can’t come away with another three points against Dundalk.

Glenn Cronin is the only absentee for Shels as he sits out through suspension following his sending off last weekend while Paul Byrne is in contention following an ankle injury.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

This will be the first league game between the sides since meeting at Oriel Park in September 2008. Both sides were battling for the First Division title and Dundalk ran out 2-1 winners. Dundalk went on to pip Shelbourne by a single point to clinch the title in a dramatic finish that November.

Shelbourne have won three of the last 10 meetings between the sides with Dundalk winning on four occasions and the other three ties ended all square.

This will be the first meeting of the sides in the Premier Division since their game at Oriel Park in January 2002. Shelbourne won 2-1 that day.

Shelbourne have three former Dundalk players in their current squad – Ian Ryan, Philip Hughes and captain David Cassidy. Cassidy and Ryan were part of that promotion winning side while Hughes holds the record for most goals scored in a single season for the Lilywhites with 21 set in 2006. Dundalk have no former Shelbourne players in their 2012 squad.

BETTING

Dundalk 9/4; Draw 11/5; Shelbourne 6/5.

PREDICTION

All the ingredients for a lively entertaining game, which looks set to end in a draw. 2-2.

Dundalk injury news: Luke Danville, Eoghan Osborne and Mark Griffin.

Dundalk Suspension News: None.

Shelbourne injury news: None

Shelbourne Suspension News: Glenn Cronin.