Drogheda United and Shelbourne meet in matchday ten at Weavers Park in a clash that sees the current league leaders face off against last season’s champions.
The Drogs sit in first place after an incredible start that has seen them lose just once to Shamrock Rovers in their opening nine fixtures.
Shels are just two points further back in fifth place, proving as difficult to play against as they were en route to the title in 2024.
Drogheda United Continue Fairytale Start
A late flurry in the final half hour after falling behind against Derry City ensured another three points for Kevin Doherty’s side at the Brandywell last week.
It was yet another showing of effective and efficient counter-attacking football that has been the hallmark of this team since the close of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Despite averaging less than 30% possession throughout the game, Drogheda United took control in the final period of the game and scored with three of their four shots on target.
The FAI Cup winners have a hard-working outfit that are proving a nightmare to play against. They have already surpassed half of their points tally from last season after just nine games.
It may be only a matter of time before teams figure out a way to counter their style, but the fairytale continues, and facing a Shelbourne team that likes to control possession will suit the league leaders this Friday.
Shelbourne Lacking Goals But Potential There For Another Title Push
The champions have scored just seven goals in their last eight Premier Division matches. However, they are picking up results to move within touching distance of the summit.
Two wins and the same number of draws from the last four fixtures have shown that Duff’s team have title credentials again this campaign.
There has been an improvement in options in forward areas, but they have yet to form into the lethal attack that they promise on paper.
Mipo Odubeko popped off the bench to score the winner and may start alongside Sean Boyd on Friday, with that partnership showing potential from the start, since the win over the same opponents in the season-opening President’s Cup.
Ellis Chapman has not fully settled into the side and may have to settle for a different role from the one he occupied at Sligo Rovers.
The 24-year-old played further forward for Rovers last season, but there is a different mix of attacking talent at Tolka Park that will lead to him playing in deeper positions.
It appears as if Duff has struggled to find the right balance with several top players available to him, but when it all does click into place, they will be right in the title mix come the end of the campaign.
Champions to End League Leaders’ Impressive Run
The teams have met in three different competitions in 2025, with Drogheda United winning the earlier Premier Division encounter thanks to an early goal from Warren Davis at Tolka Park.
Shelbourne were triumphant in the President’s Cup a month after losing 3-0 in the second-tier Leinster Senior Cup.
It is difficult to back against the league leaders as they appear to pass every test thrown at them, and they deserve to be in first place with some excellent tactical and disciplined performances.
However, there is a wealth of talent across the pitch at Shelbourne, and if any attack can breach Drogheda United’s counter-attacking excellence, it is this one.
Shelbourne have made life difficult for opponents on the road this season and have enough in the ranks to pick up their first away win in this fixture since November 2023.