Shelbourne host St. Patrick’s Athletic in Tolka Park with both sides aiming to establish early season momentum.
Shelbourne are searching for their first win at home this season after a dramatic 2-1 away victory vs Drogheda United last Friday. The Reds will host two Dublin Derbies in the space of three days at Tolka Park with Pats and Rovers on the horizon for the 2024 league champions.
Their visitors St. Pats are looking to continue their winning run of form of late with victories against Dundalk and Galway coming within 5 days at Richmond Park. Although the Saints’ home form has been perfect this term, they are without an away win – this match for Stephen Kenny’s side will mark their third in succession against Dublin opposition.
Key Information
Kick Off: 8pm, Friday March 6th
Where to Watch: Virgin Media Two (In Ireland), LOI TV (Outside of Ireland)
Betting Odds: Shelbourne @1/1, Draw @11/5, St. Patrick’s Athletic @14/5
Referee: Paul Norton
Team News
Shelbourne will continue to be without their key centre back partnership of new signing Odhran Casey and captain Paddy Barrett who both have sustained hamstring injuries. Ellis Chapman is also reportedly carrying a knock and hasn’t featured for the Reds since their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in December
Simon Power is still an injury concern for St. Patricks Athletic ahead of Friday’s Dublin Derby. Apart from Power the Saints will have a fully fit team to select from. Kenny will be keen to use his squad as this match marks Pat’s third in nine days.
Key Statistics
40% of League of Ireland Premier Division matchups are Dublin Derbies.
Shelbourne are without a win at home since October 17th when they defeated Sligo Rovers 3-1.
St. Patricks Athletic are looking to win three games in a row for the first time in the league since October 2024.
Key Players
Shelbourne: The Reds will turn to Will Jarvis for inspiration on Friday night, the Yorkshire native impressed with Shelbourne in the first half of the 2024 season where his performances were pivotal in giving Shels the buffer they needed over Shamrock Rovers to secure the title. Jarvis has returned to the League of Ireland this season after spells with Hull City and Notts County.
St. Patrick’s Athletic: Kian Leavy is in fine form for the Saints this season, his goal against Galway United on Monday from outside the box showcases his ability to come up with magic out of nowhere to win games. Leavy’s work rate off the ball will also be important for Pat’s when they look to press Shelbourne from the front.
Previous Meetings
01/11/2025 – Shelbourne 0-0 St. Patrick’s Athletic
17/08/2025 – St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 Shelbourne (Fai Cup)
16/06/2025 – St. Patrick’s Athletic 0-1 Shelbourne
09/05/2025 – Shelbourne 2-1 St. Patrick’s Athletic
04/04/2025 – St. Patrick’s Athletic 0-0 Shelbourne