Shelbourne -v- Bohemians
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SHELBOURNE
The home side go into this one on the back of a 3-0 defeat away to Sligo Rovers. Shels will be hoping to rediscover the form that has seen them claim sixth place in the table. Before last Friday's defeat, they managed impressive victories over Monaghan United and UCD. Shels have only lost one match at home this season and that was to fellow Premier League newcomers Cork City.
Shelbourne are likely to be without Lorcan Fitzgerald and Stephen Hurley although the good news is that both have returned to training. Philly Hughes, Anto Murphy, Brian Shortall and Paddy Kavanagh will have their injuries assessed before the match. Despite the injury concerns, Shels can welcome back Sean Byrne following suspension.
Speaking to ShelsTV.com ahead of the game, Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews is confident that his side won't need any motivation to rectify their loss on Friday night and is hopeful the injuries picked up will be healed in time.
"The lads are fine - they don't need any lifting, they don't need any motivation for a game against our arch-rivals. One of the good things about having a game so quickly is that it comes so quickly.
"We shipped a few injuries on Friday and hopefully they will be OK - because a lot of the guys have been struggling of late."
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians come into this game in an indifferent run of form. Having been beaten by Derry City at home on Friday night, the Gypsies had drawn against Drogheda after losing to Bray Wanderers and picking up a highly impressive victory in Oriel Park. Aaron Callaghan's men have steadied the ship after a shaky start and find themselves in 9th place. Bohemians have picked up six of their eleven points away from Dalymount this season.
Luke Byrne and Michael Barker are both unavailable for Bohemians tonight as they are on duty with the Ireland Under 19's. Neil Harney and Owen Heary are both out through illness and injury respectively while Andy McNulty remains out meaning Craig Sexton will stay in goal. Dinny Corcoran is also out while John O'Connor and Evan McMillan face late fitness tests ahead of the trip.
MATCH STATS
This is the first Premier Division meeting between the pair at Tolka Park since November 2006 when Shelbourne were 2-1 victors, clinching the Premier League title in the process but then suffered demotion.
Bohemians have picked up more points away from home this season than at home with six. They have picked up five in Dalymount.
In the past few seasons, the teams have met five times in Cup competitions with Bohemians having the upper hand winning four of the five meetings.
BETTING
Shelbourne: Evens Draw: 21/10 Bohemians: 3/1
PREDICTION
With both sides coming off defeats at the weekend, they will be looking to get something on the board. A score draw, 1-1.
Shelbourne Injury News: Lorcan Fitzgerald, Stephen Hurley(out), Philly Hughes, Brian Shorthall, Paddy Kavanagh, Anto Murphy (doubtful)
Shelbourne Suspension News: None.
Bohemians Injury News: Andy McNulty, Owen Heary, Neil Harney, Dinny Corcoran(out), Evan McMillan, John O'Connor(doubtful)
Bohemians Suspension News: None.
Unavailable: Michael Barker and Luke Byrne (international duty)
