Shelbourne vs Waterford United

Shelbourne and Waterford United clash this Friday in Tolka Park for this crucial First Division clash between 2nd and 3rd place (kick-off 20:00). Last week, Waterford took advantage of Dundalk’s slip up against Limerick, however Shelbourne not only failed to gain on the Lilywhites, but gave Sporting Fingal a chance to go level on points with them.

September for Shelbourne could be the make or break of their season, as they face Waterford, Limerick 37 and then back to back games against leaders Dundalk. Dermot Keely will be fully aware that four strong performances in these games could leave Shels in a massively strong position facing into the final run-in. But equally, this month could end their promotion hopes.

In Shelbourne team news, James Chambers is suspended having reached four yellow cards, Gary McCabe serves the second of a three week additional ban (sending off against Limerick 37), while David McGill is away. The Reds have no injury worries.

Waterford got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Kildare County last weekend, and with other results in the Division pretty much going perfectly for them, the Blues find themselves clear in second place and a mere two points behind league leaders Dundalk.

Cronin is aware of the tough challenge the upcoming game will provide, as he returns to Tolka to face his old mentor Dermot Keely's side having been fairly soundly beaten there in April. The Waterford manager has no intension of sitting back, fully aware that a win will put some distance between the sides.

“My days of going 4-5-1 away from home are long gone, it drags too much pressure on you, so we'll be going 4-4-2. It'll be a strong team I'll be putting out, a physical side because Shels are extremely physical. I expect it to be a battle, 100 miles an hour."

"We need to show our mettle up there next Friday night. It's a massive game. If we beat them I think that puts us six points clear of them, and it's a long way back for Shels then."

Luke Fitzpatrick returns from suspension and John Hayes from a bout of 'flu, which gives the manager a nearly full squad to choose from, as only long-term injury case Paul McCarthy remains unavailable for selection.

Extratime Prediction: Shels are the bookies favourites, at 6-5, whilst a Waterford win is at 15-8, a draw 11-5. Shels home form has been strong, losing only once this season, whilst Waterford’s away form has been the weakest of the top four teams. Shels have only conceded 6 at home, scoring 23. Waterford have scored 13 on their travels, conceding 12. So, we here at Extratime think the game will end as a Shels victory on a score-line of 2-0.