League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Derry City

SHELBOURNE

After a bitterly disappointing defeat away to Sligo Rovers last weekend, Shelbourne host Derry City at Tolka Park on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Reds now head into a daunting set of fixtures, with a trip to Tallaght Stadium ahead next week.

However, they will be refreshed given the week’s break after playing three games in seven days after the restart.

“We’re not full-time like some teams, and that’s the disadvantage but we have had time to recover this week and get the rest in,” Morris told his club’s media team.

Shels will see restricted crowds return to Tolka Park this weekend, and Morris is hoping that that will inspire his players this weekend.

“It’s good to be back in our own environment. Hopefully our fans start to make it an intimidating place again and we’ll need them to get back to winning games.

“We’ve got a really honest group of players and I’d urge fans to get right behind them and give their full support,” he added.

Morris also said that he believes there may be ‘some background pressure’ at the Brandywell to have an upturn in results.

“They’re not as high as where they should be for the resources and squad that they have so it’s going to be really, really competitive on Saturday,” he said.

Lorcan Fitzgerald is out of Saturday’s game while Luke Byrne, Oscar Brennan, Georgie Poynton are doubts.

DERRY CITY

After falling to a late defeat at home to Shamrock Rovers last time out, Derry City make the trip to the capital to face Shelbourne on Saturday evening.

The Candystripes head into the Tolka Park showdown with a fully fit and available squad to choose from.

“It’s a nice change of pace to have all our options available after quarantine,” Declan Devine told his club’s media team.

The quartet of Adam Hammill, James Akintunde, Ibrahim Meite and Jake Dunwoody will all be available this weekend for the first time since signing.

“There is so little time left in the season, so it was frustrating that they had to sit it out, but the players themselves have been desperate to get going.

“I said last week that every single game is vital and it’s the same again on Saturday. We’ve had the Europa League draw and the FAI cup draw this week and people rightly want to talk about those.

“The players and staff have remained focused solely on Shelbourne however and all our preparations this week has been on that one game.

“It’s been a while since we played at Tolka Park, but it’s a great ground and we’re looking forward to it.

“They’re in good shape themselves and have loads of experience in the ranks. I have no doubt this will be another tough challenge- I’m expecting nothing less- so it’s up to us to be ready for that.”

Derry City have not listed any injuries or doubts heading into tomorrow’s game at the Richmond Road venue.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne’s last win over Derry City arrived in 2012 when they earned a one-nil win over the Candystripes thanks to a Philly Hughes second-half winner.

The last meeting between the side’s saw Derry City run out 7-3 winners over the then Owen Heary managed Shels side in the 2018 EA Sports Cup.

The Reds have already lost more times at home this season than they did during their 2019 First Division title winning campaign.

BETTING

Shelbourne 11/5; Draw 2/1; Derry City 6/5.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1 - 2 Derry City

Shelbourne

Injured: Lorcan Fitzgerald.

Doubtful: Oscar Brennan, Georgie Poynton, Luke Byrne.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.