Bohemians -v- Shelbourne
Credit:
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians will aim to extend their advantage over near neighbours Shelbourne in the league standings when the teams meet at Dalymount Park on Monday evening.
Both sides had losses on Friday night but Bohs’ recent form is much stronger than Shelbourne’s. In the nine league games since the two sides last met (a 2-1 win for Bohs at Tolka Park on May 21st) Bohemians have gathered 12 points, compared with 7 points for Shelbourne over the same period.
“Shels have been a little bit inconsistent but they’re well capable of going and getting a result anywhere. They’re a tough, organised team with some big lads. It will be a difficult game again,” said Bohemians manager Aaron Callaghan ahead of the match.
A win for Bohemians could move them back above Derry City (who are ahead on goal difference), whom they lost to at the Brandywell on Friday night, and into fifth position depending on how the Candystripes fare on their visit to Bray.
Dave Scully is out for Monday’s match as he completes his five-match suspension but Karl Moore returns from a one-match ban and Owen Heary and Keith Ward, who were rested on Friday, are available for selection.
SHELBOURNE
Despite being in relatively poor form of late, Shelbourne also know a win at Dalymount Park would lift them above Bohemians and potentially Derry City and into fifth place.
Last Friday’s 3-1 defeat at home to league leaders Sligo Rovers extended Shels’ winless run to five matches, with their last victory coming back on July 13th with a 3-2 win over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.
On a positive note for Shelbourne, they have already won at Dalymount this term, with a 2-0 win coming courtesy of goals from Paddy Kavanagh and Philip Hughes on the second weekend of the season.
Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews has a full squad to choose from for the trip to Dalymount Park.
Referee: Alan Kelly
MATCH STATS
Bohemians have scored only 19 goals in 21 league games this season, making them the second lowest scorers in the division – only Dundalk have scored fewer goals.
Shelbourne have disappointed after a strong start; collecting only seven points from a possible 30 in the second round of league fixtures, while they amassed 18 in their first ten games.
Bohemians v. Shelbourne matches are frequent but the sides have not drawn since October 2004, with Bohemians winning six and Shelbourne coming out on top in the seven of the 13 games since that 1-1 draw.
BETTING
Bohemians 6/4; Draw 11/5; Shelbourne 17/10.
PREDICTION
Bohemians 2-2 Shelbourne
Bohemians Injury News: None
Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully
Shelbourne Injury News: None
Shelbourne Suspension News: None
