Shelbourne prepare themselves to face English behemoth Crystal Palace in Tallaght Stadium this Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League.
This week will see one of the biggest days in Shelbourne’s history since the revival as they host the current English FA Cup Winners and Community Shield holders Crystal Palace.
Shelbourne enter into the game with two weeks rest, whereas Palace will be playing just four days before and will have another four games in the space of twelve days. Shelbourne sit at near the bottom of the Conference League table, the only team so far in the competition not to score. Crystal Palace currently sit in 18th, which is poor compared to where they were expected to be.
Will this mean a rotated squad for Palace this Thursday? Will Shelbourne be able to cause a massive upset towards the end of their Conference League campaign?
Crystal Palace’s Form.
At the end of November, Palace suffered defeat at home to Manchester United in a hard fought effort. The eagles took the lead with a penalty but lost due to an Zirkzee and Mason Mount goal. More recently they managed to triumph Scott Parker’s Burnley away from home with a singular goal in the first half my Muñoz. Most recently on the 7th they won another game away from home, this time against Fulham with an 87th minute winner my Marc Guéhi.
Shelbourne’s Form.
Shelbourne have only played one game in the last few weeks, away against AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands, where they suffered a 2-0 loss after a valient effort. The reds managed to hold the Dutch side to a draw for seventy minutes until De Wit managed to put them ahead, later followed by a goal by Isak Jensen in the 86th. This game was truly a summary of this European league stage for the Auld Reds, holding onto games strong but just missing out and being broken down late. Ahead of this game Shelbourne’s squad were also training in a camp in Spain.
Key Player’s.
Shelbourne: As key personnel goes for Shelbourne, we can’t help but mention Paddy Barrett. As he has been injured across last season and this season, the squad have struggled defensivly. With him also taking up the captaincy more and more, Barrett’s skill’s will be tested this Thursday as he has multi-million euro opposition. Can Barrett perform well this Thursday?
Crystal Palace: The attacking midfielder Ismaïla Sarr has been a key component of the Eagle’s team this season, scoring 3 goals this season in the domestic league and 2 goals in the conference league. With him going up against Shelbourne this Thursday, will he continue the good run of form he has been on?
Key Information.
Kick Off: 11th December, 8PM, Tallaght Stadium
Where to Watch: Premier Sports (IRL), TNT Sports 2, DAZN
Referee: Martin Matoša
Betting Odds: Shelbourne 16/1 | 13/2 | 1/7 Palace