Early season pacesetters Bohemians will be looking to keep their unbeaten start going at Tolka Park against Dublin rivals Shelbourne.

It’s been a mixed start to 2026 for Joey O’Brien’s team who came into the season confident after a positive transfer window. The injuries have been mounting for the Reds but they got back on track with a vital 2-1 win at the Brandywell on Friday night against Derry City.

Alan Reynolds and his players couldn’t have asked for a better start to their season. 5 wins and the solitary draw on the opening day against Pats have made some Bohs fans believe that they could be in a title race this season. Many of the new signings have settled in instantly and other players like Colm Whelan and Dayle Rooney have kicked on from last season.

Key Information

Kickoff: 19:45

Where to watch: LOITV

Betting Odds: Shelbourne @6/4, Draw @9/5, Bohemians @19/10

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

 

 

Team News

Shels have been crucified by injuries so far this season, particularly defensively. Odhran Casey, Paddy Barrett, Mipo Odubeko have now been joined on the treatment table by Sam Bone after he picked up a knock on Friday night. None of the 4 are expected to be available for this one.

For a team that have been playing as well as Bohs have this season, you wouldn’t expect Alan Reynolds to have made as many changes to his starting XI as he has. Reynolds has adapted his starting lineup based on their opponent and he’s reaped the benefits of that tactical nouse. Douglas James Taylor hasn’t been available for the last few games and is expected to return after the international break.

 

Key Statistics 

Shels haven’t won a Monday game in the league since April 2023 where they beat Sligo Rovers 2-1 at Tolka Park.
The last 2 meetings between the two have had 9 goals in them.

Key Players

Harry Wood could’ve felt sorry for himself coming into this season after he was reportedly denied a move to England late in the window but he hasn’t downed tools whatsoever and has guided Shels through a difficult first few weeks of the season. The Englishman has already found the net 4 times for the Reds this term. On a night where yet again Shels will be light defensively, they may need to turn to their star man to get them out of trouble.

This week that starts with a Dublin Derby at Tolka Park has the potential to be one of the best in Dawson Devoy’s career so far. Bohs’ midfield maestro has been named along with 3 other LOI players in Heimir Halgrimmson’s provisional Irish squad ahead of the World Cup playoffs later this month. With the final squad being announced on Thursday, this will be Devoy’s final opportunity to catch Halgrimsson’s attention. With that in mind, you’d expect another top class performance from the Bohs captain.

Previous Meetings

26/10/25 Bohemians 2-3 Shelbouene

9/8/25 Shelbourne 2-2 Bohemians

16/5/25 Bohemians 1-0 Shelbourne

11/4/25 Shelbourne 1-0 Bohemians