League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Wexford Youths

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne and Wexford Youths face off in the pick of this weekend’s fixtures when they meet at Tolka Park in the Women’s National League on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

Shels have won six of their seven WNL games this season, with Peamount United the only team to beat them so far.

Since their loss to Peamount they have won four games in a row and only conceded one goal.

Noel King’s side faced Dublin rivals Bohemians last weekend where Emily Whelan’s fourth goal of the season helped them to a 1-0 win and moved them to second place in the WNL.

With Wexford in third place, a win this weekend will be important for Shels to keep pressure on Peamount United and put some distance between the Reds and this weekend’s visitors in the WNL.

The Reds still have three of their squad sidelined through injury with Rebecca Creagh, Chloe Mustaki and Alex Kavanagh all still unavailable.

There is some good news for Noel King however, as Leah Doyle becomes available for selection once again after finishing exams.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths had last weekend off and after the results came in from the four games last Saturday, Wexford have scored the most goals so far this season with 24 and they have only conceded five times.

Like their opponents this weekend, Wexford are on a great run of form having only lost on the opening day of the season to Peamount United.

Since then Tom Elmes’ side are unbeaten and they’ve won their last five games in a row which puts them in third place in the WNL right behind Shelbourne.

They played their last game two weeks ago, and they ran out 7-1 winners over Bohemians at Ferrycarrig Park.

Kylie Murphy and Lauren Kelly both scored twice on the day with Aisling Frawley and Kim Flood adding a goal each for the home side on the day with an own goal completing the scoring.

A win on Saturday will put Wexford one point ahead of Shelbourne and into second place in the WNL.

Tom Elmes has no new injuries to contend with as Aoife Slattery is the only absentee for the game against Shelbourne as she recovers from a leg injury.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have won their last four games in a row and Noel King’s side haven’t conceded in three games.

Wexford have won their last five games in a row and they are currently six games unbeaten.

Youths last beat Shelbourne in September 2018, the Reds are unbeaten in five League games against Wexford.

BETTING

Shelbourne 8/11; Draw 5/2; Wexford Youths 11/4.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1–1 Wexford Youths

Shelbourne

Injured: Rebecca Creagh, Chloe Mustaki, Alex Kavanagh.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Aoife Slattery.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.