Preview: Shelbourne vs. Dundalk - prediction, team news, lineups

Match preview

Shelbourne failed to return to winning ways last Friday when they fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of 10-man Bohemian.

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In a game where Ciaran Kelly received his marching orders, Dawson Devoy struck in the 13th minute to hand the hosts all three points at the Dalymount Park.

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Prior to that, Damien Duff's men saw their four-game winning streak come to an end on May 27, when they suffered a 2-0 loss against Shamrock Rovers courtesy of first-half goals from Richie Towell and Rory Gaffney.

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However, Shelbourne will fancy their chances of arresting their slump in form this weekend as they return home, where they have won each of their last three games, scoring five goals and conceding one since April's 4-1 loss to Bohemian.

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The Real Reds have now won seven, drawn three and lost nine of their 19 games to collect 24 points and sit seventh in the Premier Division standings.

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Elsewhere, Dundalk turned in a resilient team performance as they fought back from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Larne FC when the sides met in a friendly fixture last Saturday.

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After falling behind to Lee Bonis's 16th-minute strike, John Martin netted on the stroke of half time to level matters before veteran forward David McMillan completed the comeback in the 72nd minute.

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Stephen O'Donnell's men now return to the Premier Division, where they have won five straight games and are unbeaten in each of their last eight — picking up 22 points from a possible 24.

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With 37 points from 19 games, Dundalk are currently second in the league standings, five points adrift of first-placed Shamrock Rovers, albeit with one game in hand.

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Next up is an opposing side who they are unbeaten in each of the last 13 meetings between the teams, picking up an impressive 12 wins and one draw since a 1-0 defeat back in 2012.

Shelbourne League of Ireland Premier form:

Dundalk League of Ireland Premier form:

Dundalk form (all competitions):

Team News

Shelbourne will take to the pitch without the services of 24-year-old forward Sean McSweeney, who has been out of action since last November through an ankle injury.

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Following their lethargic attacking display against Bohemian, Sean Boyd, who has notched up four goals in his last seven matches, could push for a return to the starting lineup, teaming up with teenager Jad Hakiki.

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At the opposite end of the pitch, we expect a back four of Conor Kane, Aaron O'Driscoll, Luke Byrne and former Reading full-back Shane Griffin for the sixth game running.

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As for Dundalk, O'Donnell will be unable to call upon the services of Irish defender John Mountney, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury.

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He is joined on the club's injury table by veteran defender Brian Gartland after their 35-year-old came off with a foot injury in May's game against University College Dublin.

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With eight goals to his name already, Pat Hoban is currently third in the Premier Division top scorers chart and the 30-year-old will certainly be one to keep an eye out for.

Shelbourne possible starting lineup:

Clarke; Kane, O'Driscoll, Byrne, Griffin; Wilson, Moylan, Lunney; Farell, Hakiki, Derwin

Dundalk possible starting lineup:

Shepperd; Leahy, Boyle, Connolly, Macari; Doyle, Sloggett; Bradley, Benson, Kelly; Hoban

We say: Shelbourne 0-2 Dundalk

Shelbourne have suffered a slump in recent weeks, losing and failing to score in each of their last two outings. Dundalk, in contrast, head into the game in superb form, claiming six wins from six, while they are unbeaten in nine straight outings. We predict a one-sided affair with the visitors coming out victorious.

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