Shelbourne vs Derry City — Tips & Analysis

Derry City +0.25: These two hardly ever pull apart. Nine of the last 20 meetings ended level, and those games averaged under 2 goals in total. A tight, even night looks likely again, and that is why we want Derry. Shelbourne tie almost everything. They have tied 9 of their last 19 games and won only 5. They score barely more than a goal a game, and they have not scored more than once in a league game since early August. Their last five results read DDDLL, so the goals have dried up. Derry have won 6, tied 6 and lost 8 of their last 20 games. They score more than a goal a game and they have won three of their last five. That is a better run than the home side can point to. A 1-1 is the most likely score at Tolka Park. Shelbourne have to break a stubborn away side down to win this, and they have not been making enough chances to do that. Derry do not need a big performance here. They need to stay tight and keep the game small. There are two clear worries. Derry have one win in nine away games and let in 2 goals a game on their travels. They also played a cup tie on 6 September, so they arrive on five days' rest to Shelbourne's seven. We still trust Derry to come away with something.