League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shelbourne

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to right the wrongs of their exit from the Europa Conference League on Thursday when they welcome Shelbourne to Oriel Park on Sunday evening (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Lilywhites lost 5-3 on aggregate to KA as they drew 2-2 on the night against the Icelandic side. They lost the first-leg 3-1 in Iceland.

But they have a chance to make amends on Sunday when they welcome the Reds to Co Louth.

“We have a big game on Sunday against Shelbourne – and our next two games are at home,” boss Stephen O’Donnell said.

“We’ve had a taste of Europe this season and it has been quite decent for us financially and we want to be back next year.

“Our home record has been pretty good so we are looking forward to the game on Sunday.”

SHELBOURNE

Damien Duff has backed his side to claim a scalp away to Dundalk on Sunday evening as they look to qualify for Europe next season.

Shels were knocked out of the FAI Cup last month by Bohemians so their only route to Europe next season is through the league.

And Duff knows how important it is for his side to claim a result at Oriel Park if they are to qualify for Europe next year.

“It has been mentioned that we’ve yet to beat them and we’re going to have to beat them to get to where we want to go,” Duff said.

“My biggest motivation is the league table, where we are and where they are. If we get into Europe without beating them, great.

“But to get to where we want to go you have to beat the Dundalk’s, the Rovers’, etc in the league and we haven’t done that yet since we came back up.

“It’s not the primary motivator though, the real challenge is finishing ahead of them.

“That’s what is driving the motivation for the group and I think that would probably be the same for them.”

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1-2 Shelbourne

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Matty Smith, Brian McManus.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.