Shelbourne FC
- The Red and White Army have been inconsistent this season, currently sitting 6th in the Premier Division 2026 table with 17 points from 14 games.
- They have struggled at home, losing their last two games in front of their own fans, adding pressure to deliver a result on Friday.
- O’Brien has kept his side in the mix by stressing set-piece routines and maintaining a solid defensive structure.
- Shelbourne FC have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five matches.
Sligo Rovers FC
- Sligo Rovers FC currently sit 9th in the Premier Division, with 15 points from 15 fixtures.
- John Russell has tried to solve their goal-scoring problems by making his side play with more tempo, pressing high and looking to counter quickly.
- Sligo Rovers are in much better form than their opponents, having won three, drawn one and lost just one of their last five Premier Division 2026 matches.
- They lost 1-0 at Drogheda United but drew 1-1 in their most recent fixture at home.
Recent meetings
Shelbourne FC have won their last two Premier Division 2026 meetings with Sligo Rovers FC, including a 1-0 away win six weeks ago .
Players to watch
- Harry Wood remains Shelbourne’s main attacking outlet, having scored seven goals in 14 Premier Division games this season.
- William Fitzgerald leads the Roovers in goals, scoring three times in 15 Premier Division appearances.
Picks
- Odds for the hosts to win are 1.48.
- Selections: Over 2.5 goals at 1.87 and Both Teams to Score at 1.97.
Short call
The momentum and confidence that comes with winning that sort of game should be enough for O’Brien’s men to edge Sligo Rovers in this clash.
