Matchday 27 in the League of Ireland Premier Division will be staggered over three days as a result of teams competing in Europe. The Deck previews the action with Shelbourne hosting Bohemians at Tolka Park the feature fixture this weekend.
Shels are back in domestic action after their incredible Europa League win over Croatian champions HNK Rijeka. The result brings the Premier Division champions within touching distance of league phase football, but they must navigate a tricky tie against Alan Reynold’s side this weekend ahead of the second leg in midweek.
League of Ireland Premier Division Matchday 27 Preview
Feature Match Preview – Shelbourne vs Bohemians
It has been a difficult campaign for the champions domestically as their title defence has fallen apart, and the club seen the departure of Damien Duff as manager in June. 39-year-old Joey O’Brien has taken charge of four Premier Division matches and remains unbeaten with two wins and as many draws.
This Shelbourne squad features several talented individuals, and they should be much closer to Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland title race. Europe has been their saving grace, and that might see some key players rested for this Tolka Park clash.
Bohs have hit a bit of a slump, with just one win in their last five. Their defeat to Drogheda United at Dalymount Park highlighted the need for a competent forward to lead the line, as they struggled without the presence of summer arrival Douglas James Taylor.
Alan Reynolds’ team possess a host of technically excellent midfield players, a top-class goalkeeper and a solid defence. Their top scorers are Ross Tierney and James Clarke, with five, despite no team in the Premier Division averaging more shots per game, and only the league leaders rank higher for efforts on target per match.
There is little to separate the teams in terms of quality within their playing squad, and both previous meetings this campaign ended in 1-0 wins for the home team on the day. Shelbourne had two players sent off at Dalymount in May and went down to a Dayle Rooney penalty.
Team selection could play a key role here on Saturday evening as a full Shelbourne outfit should have enough to overcome a relatively out-of-form Bohs, but with a crucial European tie in midweek, this is an opportunity for the team sitting in second to consolidate their place in the race for Europe.
If James-Taylor returns and leads the line against a Shels team focused on the Rijeka tie, there could be a seven-point gap between the teams by Saturday night.
Relegation Candidates Target Results against Premier Division’s European Outfits
Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic represent the League of Ireland in the UEFA Conference League this week. Both will face teams in the battle to beat the drop this weekend as the Hoops travel to Galway United and Pats host John Russell’s Sligo Rovers.
The Tribesmen are just three points clear of the relegation play-off spot after a run of five defeats and one draw in six league matches. They face a Hoops side that they have not beaten in the last 20 meetings, and it does appear out of their reach to pick up three points here.
John Caulfield may have enough in his squad to keep them up, and they should target upcoming home games against Sligo Rovers and Cork City as an opportunity to move clear of the bottom two.
Sligo Rovers saw a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end against Shelbourne at the Showgrounds last time out. John Russell’s team were outdone by a clinical display from the champions, but will not fear a trip to Richmond Park as Pats’ win at Waterford ended a seven-match Premier Division winless run.
Stephen Kenny and his players appear to have both eyes on Europe. They have fallen six points behind the guaranteed European spots. However, they have each of the last for head-to-head meetings with Rovers and should be confident of remaining unbeaten at the very least.
Russell has the players to put it up to Pats, despite some key departures this summer, but a win may be beyond them. A draw would likely not satisfy either team. It does, however, appear to be the most likely outcome.
League of Ireland European Chasers in Action on Friday Night
There are just two fixtures scheduled for Friday night, and last season’s FAI Cup finalists should fancy their chances of picking up positive results.
Derry City host a Cork City side that ended an almost four-month wait for a league win. Ger Nash is hoping the win over Galway United will give his players confidence to go and achieve back-to-back wins, but it would be a major shock if they recorded a win at the Brandywell.
Drogheda United continue to be difficult to beat, having suffered just five League of Ireland defeats this season. They host Waterford, who are staying clear of the bottom two. However, they appear limited to just that level and with only Shamrock Rovers (twice) and Derry City picking up wins over the Drogs since the start of May, it is unlikely there will be an away win here.
