Derry City look to return to winning ways, as Joey O’Brien’s Shelbourne make the trip North, with both sides trying to find their way into the European places.
Derry City sit just outside the top three in 4th. Tiernan Lynch’s men have struggled so far in 2026, finding it difficult,and failing to beat sides such as league leaders Bohemians and newly-promoted Dundalk. They have managed wins against relegation candidates Sligo Rovers and Waterford, but only in late fashion. They most recently suffered defeat in Tallaght Stadium to Shamrock Rovers, courtesy of Dylan Watts from the spot in the 81st minute.
Shelbourne have a point less than the home side, and find themselves in 6th place. Shelbourne started they’re season with two draws, before finally tasting victory against Drogheda United, in a 2-1 win away at Sullivan & Lambe Park. Shelbourne recently suffered heartbreak in the dying embers, as Max Mata stole the three points, bringing them back to Inchicore last Friday Night. Monday Night’s rescheduled clash against the Champions Shamrock Rovers started as well as Joey O’Brien could’ve wanted, with Harry Wood and John Martin putting Shels two-up in 13 minutes, but by the time half-time came, the score was equal, and this is how things finished.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 13th of March
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Derry City @11/10, Draw @23/10, Shelbourne @11/5
Referee: Neil Doyle
Team News
Brian Maher and Liam Boyce still remain out for Derry City, with long-term absences. Carl Winchester, Darragh Markey and Brandon Fleming join the two on the injury list. Cameron Dummigan has been out with a knock but was recently described as being “back in contention.”
Defenders Milan Mbeng, Odhran Casey and Paddy Barrett are all unavailable for Joey O’Brien’s Shels squad, Sean Moore and Ellis Chapman are also sidelined. JJ Lunney has returned to the Shels squad, starting on Monday Night against Shamrock Rovers.
Key Statistics
Shelbourne are yet to lose a game on the road this season, picking up a draw in Waterford, and a win in Drogheda.
The last time a side won this fixture by three goals or more, was the 2022 FAI Cup Final, in which Derry City famously dispatched Damien Duff’s side, 4-0.
Key Players
Shelbourne’s Harry Wood has been in flying form since the start of his 2026 campaign. The 23-year-old ex-Hull City midfielder is at the top of the league’s scoring charts, averaging a goal every 110 mins, on top of 3.6 shots per game, with 1.4 of these being on target.
It’s hard to dismiss the PFAI Player of the Season for 2025, Michael Duffy, especially considering the quality he shows week in, week out to the Derry faithful. The 31-year-old Derry-native is also top of the scoring charts so far this season, with an assist as well for his efforts. The winger has been notorious in the league, especially among right-backs, due to his ability to make his opposing player look like an amateur.
Previous Meetings
19/9/25 – Derry City 1-1 Shelbourne
20/6/25 – Shelbourne 0-1 Derry City
2/5/25 – Derry City 2-0 Shelbourne
14/2/25 – Shelbourne 3-1 Derry City