League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shelbourne

• Ciaran Fisher
• Fri, Apr 22 2022




DUNDALK

The Lilywhites remain unbeaten at home this season, but they welcome a Shelbourne team who seem to prefer picking up points on the road. 

Stephen O’Donnell’s side are unbeaten at Oriel Park, with a return of 11 points from a possible 15. On the other hand, Damien Duff’s men have mustered just one point from their opening six league games at Tolka Park (which was a 1-1 draw with Dundalk in March).

Ahead of this fixture, O’Donnell has called on his players to believe in their ability and to grasp the mantle of playing with a club that has won five league titles in the past decade.

“We need to play with the same energy and application that we went in with last week against Sligo, and to a certain extent in Tallaght on Monday, and make sure we are well organised and bright in our movement and thinking and the way we want to play.”

New arrival, Joe Adams, spoke to Dundalkfc.com about settling in and the sense of expectation growing at Oriel Park:

“The last few years weren’t great for Dundalk but when you look at the history of the club over the past decade, and you look at the gaffer and the squad we have, the expectation is back and as a player that’s what you want.”

Often a winger, Adams may find himself starting in a central role tonight, as the Lilywhites sweat over the fitness of Robbie Benson, who picked up an injury in last week’s home win over Sligo.

Dan Williams is also a doubt, while Brian Gartland is suspended after receiving two yellows in the Monday game at Tallaght. 

SHELBOURNE

Last week, Damien Duff’s side became the first team in the league to beat Derry City this season, before slumping to a disappointing 4-1 home defeat to fellow Dubs, Bohemians.

If the topsy turvy form has been frustrating from a Shels side that can be hit and miss, their fans can take solace going into this game that their away form is considerably better than their home results.

Reflecting on this disparity, the Reds’ Head Coach told Shelbournefc.ie, that he reckoned the reason wasn’t due to a shortfall of preparation and that it was “nothing tactical or technical but probably something emotional”. 

Duff was keen to temper expectations following the win away in Derry, but was hopeful with the right application they could get a result in Oriel tonight:

“We have to be realistic to where we are. We’re going to have ups and downs this season – are we going to win every game? Probably not but are we going to try win every game? Absolutely." 

He noted that Dundalk are a team with plenty of quality but his side are looking forward to the game. 

“They’ve always had that quality. They’ve got a new team, similar to us, and are rebuilding with some new players.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Dundalk are unbeaten at home, having picked up 11 of 15 possible points.

Shelbourne have picked up seven of a possible nine points in their last three on the road - beating Derry City and Sligo Rovers and holding Bohs to a draw. 

During the last 24 meetings, Dundalk have won 15 times, there have been four draws while Shels have won five times. The goal difference is 38-20 in favour of Dundalk.

BETTING

Home 4/5; Draw 9/4; Away 15/4.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1 – 0 Shelbourne

Dundalk 

Injured: John Mountney, .

Doubtful: Robbie Benson, Dan Williams.

Suspended: Brian Gartland

Shelbourne

Injured: Brian McManus, Sean McSweeney, Daniel Hawkins, David Toure.

Doubtful: None.

2022 League of Ireland Attendances: The story so far https://t.co/AdEiPIuwaEpic.twitter.com/w07jSYROyC

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) April 22, 2022