- Andrew Dempsey
- Mon, Mar 04 2024
SHELBOURNE
Joint-top Shelbourne will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season this evening when they host Galway United at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Reds are sitting pretty in the top-flight on seven points from a possible nine in their opening three games.
And they have already picked up a win over champions Shamrock Rovers.
But despite coming through a tough battle against Sligo Rovers on Friday night at the Showgrounds, their boss Damien Duff is demanding there will be no ‘flatness’ from his troops.
“We’ve a strong, healthy squad full of quality and making changes is something we will do on the night and between games,” he said.
“I dont think I’m asking too much, I know people say I give out about players on Monday.
“It’s for the whole football world in every league, you play three games a week or two games in three days.
“It’s great, no sympathy for anyone who is saying it’s hard going, these are the best days of your life. If you’re a top pro between games, there should be no flatness on Monday.”
Shane Griffin is expected to remain out, while Sean Boyd is suspended.
GALWAY UNITED
Galway United assistant boss Ollie Horgan insists all of his side’s games in the Premier Division this season are ‘massive’ as they get set to visit Shelbourne.
The Tribesmen have enjoyed a strong start to the season with two wins from their opening three fixtures.
And the most recent victory arrived against Waterford on Friday night, as they overturned a deficit to win 2-1.
“They're all massive,” Horgan told extratime.com on Friday.
“We’ve got to dust ourselves down, we're in tomorrow morning. We haven't looked next or near Shelburne as of yet. We did watch them against Waterford for the purpose of Waterford.
“We'll have a look at them and we'll have a look at them from the game tonight up in Sligo. It’s a hectic weekend but it's brilliant to have it.
“It’s great to be going to Tolka Park and Drogheda coming the following week, Shamrock Rovers coming the following week, that’s what it’s about and long may that continue.”
Referee: Rob Hennessy.
MATCH STATS
Galway United’s last win against Shelbourne at Tolka Park arrived in October 2014 in a First Division play-off - but they have lost each of their last four trips there, losing to nil on each occasion.
Shelbourne are unbeaten at home in the Premier Division since May 2023, when they lost 1-0 at home to St Pat’s. They have also won their last six games on the bounce in Drumcondra - taking scalps against Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and St Pat’s in that run.
John Caulfield’s Tribesmen only lost twice away from last season, losing to Longford Town twice by a score of 1-0. They have already won in the Premier Division away to Dundalk (2-0) this season.
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 2-0 Galway United
Shelbourne
Injured: Shane Griffin.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Sean Boyd.
Galway United
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
