Title-chasers Shelbourne and Derry City meet in a potentially crucial contest at Tolka Park in the Irish Premier Division on Monday, 5 August. View our betting tips for the showdown below.
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Shelbourne vs Derry City prediction: Margins could be slender
Key Stats
- All three previous meetings between Shelbourne and Derry this season have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Derry have failed to win nine of their 12 away assignments in the Premier Division this term.
- Shelbourne have scored first in seven of their 12 home games in the league this season.
- Shelbourne notched exactly one goal in five of their last six league tests at Tolka Park.
Correct score prediction: Shelbourne 1-1 Derry City
Table-topping Shelbourne have been far from prolific this term despite their lofty league position, while Derry have been averaging just 0.91 goals per game on the road. The teams drew 1-1 when they last met in May and a similar outcome looks possible here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Shels slight underdogs
- HOME: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- DRAW: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- AWAY: 7/5 (2.50) – 41.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite holding a three-point advantage at the summit over Derry, Shelbourne are currently the underdogs in the market at 19/10 ahead of Monday’s clash, with the visitors the early 7/5 favourites. Alongside their lead, Shelbourne also have a game in hand on Derry and a win over their rivals would push them one step closer to a first title since 2006. Read more of our latest football forecasts on our football tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Previous encounters have been tight
All three previous meetings between Shelbourne and Derry City this season have ended all square, while just two goals were lodged across that trio of encounters.
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 06/05/24
Derry City
Shelbourne
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/04/24
Shelbourne
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 20/10/23
Derry City
Shelbourne
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 30/06/23
Shelbourne
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/06/23
Derry City
Shelbourne
Shelbourne preview: Key defensive duo out
Shelbourne will be without suspended defensive duo Patrick Barrett and Tyreke Wilson, leaving them a little short at the back. Shels have been playing plenty of European football of late and haven't competed in a Premier Division fixture since July 4th. They were knocked out of the Conference League by FC Zurich in midweek.
Predicted lineup: Kearns (GK), Gannon, Griffin, Bone, Ledwidge, O'Sullivan, Coote, Caffrey, Smith, Martin, Jarvis
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 06/09/24
D
Bohemians Dublin
1
Shelbourne
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 30/08/24
W
Dundalk
0
Shelbourne
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 23/08/24
D
Bohemians Dublin
1
Shelbourne
1
Republic of Ireland FAI Cup 16/08/24
W
Galway United
1 (3)
Shelbourne
1 (5)
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 10/08/24
L
Sligo Rovers
2
Shelbourne
1
Derry City preview: City with two absentees
Jordan McEneff and Patrick McEleney are still out of action for Derry City and won't be involved on Monday. The Candystripes enjoyed a fine 3-0 win over St. Patrick's Athletic in the FAI Cup in their last assignment.
Predicted lineup: Maher (GK), Coll, Connolly, Dummigan, Todd, Duffy, McMullan, Doherty, Patching, O'Reilly, Hoban
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 30/08/24
L
Galway United
1
Derry City
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 23/08/24
W
Waterford FC
0
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland FAI Cup 16/08/24
W
Cork City
0
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/08/24
D
Dundalk
1
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/08/24
D
Shelbourne
0
Derry City
0
Player to watch – Pat Hoban
Prolific striker Pat Hoban is the leading marksman in the Premier Division at present with 12 goals and the savvy 33-year-old will be rubbing his hands at the prospect of facing a Shelbourne defence shorn of two of its most important members on Monday.
Hoban a devastating presence
Shelbourne will be without the steady services of Patrick Barrett and Tyreke Wilson on Monday with both defenders serving suspensions. With the host’s backline patched up, Hoban could take full advantage in this potential title decider.
