Shelbourne v Dundalk (9-8-13)
By Aidan Geraghty @1895Aidan
The second
round of the final series of matches takes place this weekend and both
Shelbourne and Dundalk are in different positions than they would’ve expected
at the start of the season; The Reds have had an abysmal campaign under the
guidance of Alan Mathews and new Lilywhites gaffer Stephen Kenny has redeemed
his reputation by giving the Louth outfit an opportunity to win their first
Championship since 1995 and their 10th overall. Thankfully, however,
for Shels fans, Johnny McDonnell has spearheaded a revival on the pitch which
has taken them out of the relegation zone.
The two teams go into this one on
the back of good runs of form; Shels are unbeaten in five (DWWWD) while Dundalk
have performed slightly better over their last five (WWDWW). Shels will be
hoping to have Lee Murtagh back for this clash but, as his flight from Ibiza
lands on Friday morning, it’s likely he’ll only play a small part in Friday
evening’s proceedings. Also missing for the Reds are Paul Crowley (hip), Mark
Leech (ankle) and Robert Bayly, who broke down in training last week. The
Lilywhites were without Keith Ward (knee), John Mountney (ankle) and Dane
Massey (knee) last week and it is unclear whether or not any of the above will
return.
Confidence seems to have been
restored around Drumcondra since the arrival of ‘Johnny Mac’ and Ian Ryan
reflected this by predicting that the Reds would finish 6th. While
this may be slightly optimistic, McDonnell said (before the Bray game) he
believes 11 points would suffice and guarantee Shelbourne’s Premier Division
status for next season.
TEAM NEWS
Shelbourne
injuries: Paul Crowley (hip), Mark Leech (ankle), Robert Bayly.
Doubtful:
Lee Murtagh (holiday).
Suspended:
None.
Dundalk
injuries: John Mountney (ankle), Dane Massey (knee), Keith Ward (knee)
Doubtful:
None.
Suspended:
Mark O’Brien.
Betting: Shels: 13/5
Draw: 9/4
Dundalk: Evens
Prediction:
Shelbourne 0-1 Dundalk.
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