League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Shelbourne

CABINTEELY

First Division Cabinteely reignite their Dublin Derby rivalry with Shelbourne on Friday evening when they welcome the Reds to Stradbrook (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Cabo fell to defeat in their last game away to UCD by four goals to one following a tumultuous fortnight.

However, the Green and White’s can take some positives from their defeat at the UCD Bowl – with a few their young stars coming off the bench and making an impact.

Conor Knight and Jem Campion came off the bench for Pat Devlin’s side – and they are expected to welcome back several their players for the visit of Shels to Stradbrook on Friday night.

“We were disappointed in the defeat to UCD, even though the performance wasn’t too bad,” their striking coach Paul Heffernan said. “We will be looking to bounce back. We’ll be ready to go.

 “We had a couple of hard battles against them back in 2019. We are well aware how tough this game is going to be. We need to be at the top of our game to be competitive.”

In terms of team news, defender Andy O’Brien (knee) and goalkeeper Peter Quinlan (knee) are the confirmed absentees for the hosts.

SHELBOURNE

After easing past the challenge of Cork City after an early scare, Shelbourne will be looking to put an end to their dismal record against Cabinteely on Friday night.

The Reds are winless at Stradbrook since 2017 – and manager Ian Morris has yet to preside over a win against Pat Devlin’s side in a competitive game.

And the Shels boss is well aware of the challenge his team faces come kick-off on Friday evening.

“We’re under no illusions out there. It’s going to be a tough game and their players will be rallied together and have that siege mentality,” Morris told his club’s media team.

“It’s going to be a fight and they’ll scrap for everything out there.”

He added: “I think last week’s result for Cabinteely flattered UCD, Cabo were unlucky not to be winning at half time, so we know what we’re up against.

“We’re looking to build that momentum now. We know how important that is considering other teams have made strong starts.”

Shels will be without Denzil Fernandes, Gerardo Bruna through injury and George Poynton is a doubt after coming off last week against Cork. Glen McAuley returns from suspension.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely are unbeaten in their previous six games against Shelbourne – with their last defeat coming versus the Reds in October 2017.

Shelbourne have lost four of their last five games at Stradbrook – but they had won their three games on the spin there before embarking on their losing run.

Following Ian Morris’ sides last defeat at Stradbrook the Reds went on an 11 unbeaten run on their way to a First Division title in 2019.

BETTING

Cabinteely 16/5; Draw 23/10; Shelbourne 4/5.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 1 Shelbourne

Cabinteely

Injured: Peter Quinlan, Andy O’Brien.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Gerardo Bruna, Denzil Fernandes.

Doubtful: Georgie Poynton.

Suspended: None.