Shamrock Rovers -v- Shelbourne
Credit:
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers will play their third Dublin Derby in a row in the league against Shelbourne at the Tallaght Stadium on Friday night (kick off 8pm). Rovers drew their two previous derbies against Saint Patricks Athletic and Bohemians and they have already drawn 9 of their 14 league games this season.
Pat Sullivan, Danny Ledwith and Mark Quigley will all miss the game with hamstring injuries. Lorcan Shannon continues to miss out with a foot injury, while Derek Foran is doubtful because of a bruised foot. However Conor Powell is available for selection again.
Shamrock Rovers manager Trevor Croly told www.shamrockrovers.ie that he believes that he knows what his side need to do for this match “Having played Shelbourne earlier in the season, and watched them recently, we know what we have to do in this game. We will need to pass the ball well and move it quickly. If we don’t do that, we will be left sniffing out chances and that’s not what we want.
“We will be looking to get on top early in the game. It’s a Dublin derby and there should be a good crowd and a good atmosphere on the night, and we’ll be looking to make the most of that” revealed Croly.
SHELBOURNE
Interm manager Kevin Doherty will take charge of bottom of the table Shelbourne for the second time on Friday night. Last week Shels were beaten 3-0 by Saint Patricks Athletic at Tolka park.
So far Shels have scored only 6 goals and conceded 25 from their 14 league games this season. They are currently 5 points behind Bray Wanderes and UCD at the foot of the table. They drew 0-0 with Shamrock Rovers in the previous meeting between the two sides in the league in March.
Jack Memery, who was sent off against Saint Patricks Athletic last week and Brian Shorthall will both miss the game through suspension. Glenn Cronin continues to miss out with an ankle injury and Paul Crowley (hip) is also unavailable.
Shels also have doubts over Adam Hanlon (calf), Stephen Hurley (groin), Dean Kelly(groin), Philly Hughes (shin), Sean Brennan (shin) and goalkeeper Niall Burdon (hamstring).
Referee: Padraigh Sutton.
MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rovers midfielder Shane Robinson scored for Drogheda Untied against Dynamo kiev in a Champions League qualifier in 2008.
Shelbourne defender Graham Gartland made nine league appearances for Shamrock Rovers last season.
Shelbourne interm manager Kevin Doherty spent four years at Liverpool before signing for his current club in 2001.
BETTING
Shamrock Rovers 2/9, Draw 9/2, Shelbourne 10/1.
PREDICTION
Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Shelbourne.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Pat Sullivan, Danny Ledwith, Mark Quigley, Lorcan Shannon.
Doubtful: Derek Foran.
Suspended: None.
Shelbourne
Injured: Glenn Cronin, Paul Crowley.
Doubtful: Adam Hanlon, Stephen Hurley, Dean Kelly, Philly Hughes, Sean Brennan, Neil Burdon.
Suspended: Jack Memery, Brian Shorthall.
