Preview: Shamrock Rovers vs. Shelbourne - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have not lost on home soil in any competition since August last year, while the visitors have lost two of their last three games on the road.

Match preview

Shamrock Rovers saw their 13-game unbeaten league run come to an end when they suffered a surprise 1-0 loss away at Drogheda United on Monday.

Ryan Brennan scored the only goal of the game in the 37th minute, before Daniel Mandroiu picked up his second yellow card nine minutes from time to rub salt into the visitors' wounds.

Despite that loss, Shamrock's nearest challengers Derry City also suffered defeat, their third in succession, meaning Stephen Bradley's side still boast a seven-point lead at the top of the table at the halfway stage.

Shamrock will now prepare for Friday's fixture at the Tallaght Stadium, and they will be confident of returning to winning ways as they are unbeaten in each of their last 21 competitive fixtures on home soil.

Shelbourne, meanwhile, have managed to steer themselves 14 points clear of the bottom two courtesy of an impressive four-game winning streak.

Victories over Sligo Rovers, Drogheda and St Patrick's Athletic were followed by a 2-0 win at home to UCD on Monday.

Sean Boyd scored his sixth goal of the season when he converted from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time before Jack Moylan added a second just a minute after the break.

Damien Duff's men will now look to continue their strong run of form in a bid to remain in the hunt for a top-three finish. Seven points currently separate them from Dundalk in third at the halfway stage.

Success on Friday could prove challenging for Shelbourne, however, as they have failed to win any of their last eight competitive meetings against Shamrock, including six defeats.

Shamrock Rovers League of Ireland Premier form:

Shelbourne League of Ireland Premier form:

Team News

Shamrock midfielder Mandroiu will serve a one-match suspension, following his dismissal last time out, with either Ronan Finn or Gary O'Neill set to replace him in the starting lineup.

Graham Burke, who has scored six of his seven goals on home soil this term, will be hoping to force his way into the first XI ahead of either Jack Byrne or Rory Gaffney.

As for Shelbourne, Arsenal loanee Jordan McEneff and Adam Thomas are both doubtful with knocks and will be assessed ahead of kickoff, while Brian McManus (foot), Sean McSweeney and Daniel Hawkins (both muscle) all remain sidelined with injuries.

Considering their upturn in form, Duff is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his starting lineup, although Danny Carr could potentially replace Jad Hakiki up front.

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mannus; Gannon, Hoare, Grace; Cotter, Towell, Watts, Lyons; Byrne, Finn; Burke

Shelbourne possible starting lineup:

Clarke; O'Driscoll, Kane, Griffin, Byrne; Moylan, Lunney, Devlin, Farrell; Carr, Boyd

We say: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Shelbourne

While the momentum is with Shelbourne heading into Friday's fixture, league leaders Shamrock are still the favourites to come out on top in front of their own supporters.

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