League Preview: Wexford -v- Shelbourne

WEXFORD

Wexford boss Ian Ryan will be hoping to land a blow to Shelbourne’ seemingly unstoppable charge towards the First Division at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Slaneysiders come into the game off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Treaty United last time out.

But there has been signs of improvement in the South-East, and they can also take courage from their 1-0 defeat to Shels last time they played them at Tolka Park.

Only an own-goal separated the sides – and their improved fortunes and performances are a cause for optimism.

In team news, Paul Fox is back from serving his one-match suspension, while Donal Porter has been called up from the under-19. 

Ayman Yousif is out through injury, while Harry Groome is unavailable to play against his parent club.

SHELBOURNE

Unbeaten Shelbourne will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2021 First Division season when they visit Wexford FC at Ferrycarrig Park.

The Reds eased to a 4-1 win over Bray Wanderers last time out, but their manager Ian Morris is not getting carried away and is wary of the challenge Wexford pose to his side next week.

“This is where teams are at their most vulnerable,” Morris said as teams look to chase his team.

“We have to keep preparing in the right way and the mindset has to be right. This group of players have that in abundance.”

This will be the first time Morris has faced new Wexford boss Ian Ryan – and he has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

“You can see the effect they’ve had already there and see what Ian is trying to do.

“At Tolka we were able to see how they can hurt you with their pace and energy,” he added.

In terms of team news for Shels, Sean Quinn and Yoyo Mahdy are doubts while Gerardo Bruna and Denzil Fernandes remain out.

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne are the joint-highest scorers in the First Division so far this season – with 26 goals to their name so far.

The Reds have also not conceded one goal from play since their 2-1 win away to Cobh Ramblers in May.

BETTING

Wexford 17/2; Draw 9/2; Shelbourne 1/5.

PREDICTION

Wexford 0 - 2 Shelbourne

Wexford

Injured: Ayman Yousif.

Doubtful: None.

Unavailable: Harry Groome.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Denzil Fernandes, Gerardo Bruna.

Doubtful: Yoyo Mahdy, Sean Quinn.

Suspended: None.