Dundalk welcome Shelbourne at Oriel Park, Dundalk on Friday, Sep 18 at 8:45 PM in a League of Premier Division fixture that's tighter on paper than the positions suggest — just 2 points split them in the table.

Dundalk come into this fixture in mixed form (2W 0D 3L). Shelbourne, meanwhile, arrive in mixed form (2W 2D 1L) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Dundalk head into this on the back of a defeat, while Shelbourne arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Despite playing at home, Dundalk face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Shelbourne have won 6 of 10 encounters, with 3 draws. Their last encounter ended in Dundalk won 1–2. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Dundalk a slight edge, but Shelbourne are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.