League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Waterford

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Jul 31 2020




SHELBOURNE

After five months away from Tolka Park, Shelbourne play host to Waterford in their first home game of the restart on Saturday afternoon (kick-off is at 2pm).

The Reds fell to defeat in their last league outing, losing two-nil away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park, leaving them in 5^th position after four games.

Morris’ Reds know that with a shortened season, they will be more than capable to achieve Europa League qualification should results go their way.

Speaking to his club’s media team, Morris said: “There are some fantastic signings coming into clubs who have previously let their staff and players go which is interesting. 

“If you haven’t been in the country and you’re coming in, you have to isolate. So it’s a tricky one for the clubs,” he said.

Morris said that despite facing a restricted budget, he is “really happy with what we’ve got” at Tolka Park for the season restart. 

“Everyone is in a good place, fully fit with all the players in full training which is brilliant,” he said. 

After months of no selection worries, Morris said he is facing “really difficult decisions” after “everyone put their hand up” with pre-season performances.

In terms of team news, Shels may have to do without the services of Daniel McKenna who is nursing an injury ahead of Saturday’s restart.

WATERFORD

John Sheridan gears himself up towards his first competitive game in charge of Waterford on Saturday afternoon as the Blues travel to the capital to face Shelbourne.

Sheridan took charge of the Blues a few weeks ago, and as he told his club’s media team a few week’s ago, he is relishing the opportunity to get back into management after a spell away.

“I’ve been given a great opportunity to get back into the game, so when the job came around I was biting at the bit.

“I feel refreshed after being away from the game for a few months so now I’m chomping at the bit to get back in the swing of things.

“I’m a new manager here and every manager will have different ideas. Obviously, I’ll get a bit of insight from Franny (Rockett), but the be-all and end-all is that I pick the right team for us to go out and win games.

“I really just want the lads to believe, I like the players to be positive and believe they are going to be playing. If I can instil that in them, there will be a better chance of us winning games.

“I really want to be positive, they have started the season well. Nine points from five games [would be] a good start, so I want to start off on a positive note. I’m a massive believer in man-management skills. If the players come on board with what I’m trying to do, we can be successful.”

In terms of team news for Waterford, they have yet to disclose details of how they may look ahead of tomorrow’s restart.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have not lost against Waterford since May 2017, when they lost 1-0 at the RSC as the Blues marched their way to the First Division league title.

Since then, Waterford have failed to defeat the Reds on three occasions, with Shelbourne winning once.

Shels have yet to score more than one goal per game since their return to the top-flight, although they have won on two occasions thus far.  

BETTING

Shelbourne 8/15; Draw 13/5; Waterford 9/2.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1 - 0 Waterford

Shelbourne

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Daniel McKenna.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Michael O’Connor.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.