Shelbourne, reigning champions of the League of Ireland Premier Division, face Sligo Rovers on Friday evening, seeking to improve upon a lacklustre first half of the season.
The hosts are sixth in the table with 23 points from 17 matches, while the visitors are bottom of the standings with just 12 points from 16 league fixtures.
Match preview
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Shelbourne sensationally ended an 18-year wait for the League of Ireland Premier Division title last season, with a final day victory ensuring they lifted the trophy for the first time since 2006.
Damien Duff has been unable to achieve the same output from his side thus far this campaign, though, as the Reds are currently sat sixth in the table with 23 points after 17 matches, from five wins, eight draws and four defeats.
That leave Shelbourne already trailing league leaders Shamrock Rovers by nine points, an underwhelming first half of the campaign compared to the heights they reached last term.
The Reds have particularly struggled in recent weeks, recording only one win in their last eight matches, alongside four draws and three defeats, and they are also without a win against Sligo Rovers at home since March 2023.
However, their opponents are heading into Friday's clash at the bottom of the League of Ireland standings, managing only 12 points from 16 matches, with three wins, three draws and 10 defeats.
That marks an extremely disappointing start to the season under John Russell, who has been in charge since May 2022, though they did end a five-game winless run in their latest outing.
Sligo had recorded three defeats and two draws heading into last weekend's clash with Galway United, and the Bitter Reds won 1-0 to end the streak and close the gap on safety to eight points.
Despite their difficulties this season, Sligo Rovers have lost only one of their last five away encounters with Shelbourne - two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Team News
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Shelbourne are expected to be without the services of Lewis Temple and Sean Boyd due to ongoing injury issues, while Conor Kearns is a doubt after coming off in the 30th minute of their 0-0 draw with Drogheda United last time out.
Mark Coyle is also ruled out of Friday's encounter after the midfielder was sent off in 34 minutes last week, though they will be boosted by the return of Alistair Coote from suspension.
As for Sligo Rovers, Oskar van Hattum and Oliver Denham are not likely to feature due to ongoing injury problems, and Conor Reynolds is also a doubt to play after coming off with an injury last week.
Elsewhere, after ending a five-game winless run in their latest victory over Galway United, Russell may decide to field a largely unchanged team on Friday.
Shelbourne possible starting lineup:
Healy; Caffrey, Gannon, Ledwidge, Wilson, Norris; Mcinroy, Lunney, Chapman; Wood, Odubeko
Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:
Sargeant; Mahon, Lintott, McElroy, Hutchinson; Wolfe, Hayes; Kavanagh, Elding, Fitzgerald; Hakiki
We say: Shelbourne 2-1 Sligo Rovers
Sligo may be boosted after their recent victory, while the hosts have struggled in past matches, but Shelbourne undoubtedly possess greater quality across the squad, leading us to expect a home win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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Ellis Stevens
