Shelbourne vs St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night is a crucial clash that could have significant implications for both sides’ campaigns.
Shels have the worst recent record of any team in the Premier Division with just three points and no wins from their last five matches.
Pats lost on the road at Derry City to make it four defeats in seven on their travels, a significant blow in their quest to win a first league title since 2013.
Wastefulness in Front of Goal Brings Shelbourne Back Down to Earth
No side in the Premier Division has created or missed more big chances than Shelbourne this season, and it is for this very reason that the champions have fallen to seventh in the table.
In their last four outings, they have scored just four goals from 72 efforts on goal, a conversion rate of just under 6%.
Mipo Odubeko is proving to be a handful in attack for opposition defences, and the forward has four goals to his name, but his tally should be almost double due to the number of missed chances.
The absence of Sean Boyd is being felt in attack, with Ellis Chapman yet to reach the level he scaled with Sligo Rovers in 2024 in terms of output.
Mark Coyle and Kerr McInroy provide a solid base in midfield with Harry Wood and Evan Caffrey creating opportunities for the forwards.
The ongoing dispute between manager Damien Duff and Hoops boss Stephen Bradley may need to be dialled down to allow the former to get his team back on the right track after a poor run of form.
Shelbourne appear to have all the ingredients to be in contention for the title again this campaign, but they must sort out their issues in front of goal.
They could end up finding themselves cut adrift, particularly with Shamrock Rovers themselves looking primed to take advantage.
Stephen Kenny Must Rethink Tactics as St. Patrick’s Athletic Suffer on The Road
Despite boasting the best defence in terms of goals conceded in the top-flight and several high-quality individuals in advanced areas, Stephen Kenny’s side are being held back by several poor results on their travels.
The manager tends to opt for his favoured 4-3-3 formation regardless of the opposition or venue, but may need to adapt after a record of just one goal scored and a solitary point from their last three away outings.
They look toothless at times away from Richmond Park. It will be difficult to maintain a title challenge should they continue their current record despite being the only team in the division yet to be beaten at home.
The 53-year-old has managed the Republic of Ireland national team and won five Premier Division titles, so he will have to call on his experience to find the right mix and adjust his tactical set-up.
It may be a case of having to dig in against a Shels side that averages the highest percentage of possession per game than any team in the top-flight.
If there is to be a genuine title race involving St. Patrick’s Athletic, improvements must be made on the road with immediate haste.
Shelbourne vs St. Patrick’s Athletic – Who Comes Out on Top?
There is potential for fireworks here as there was when Pats faced off against Shamrock Rovers recently.
However, with both teams out of form and questions being asked of both of their title credentials, this has the feel of a must-not-lose affair.
Shels have consistently dominated matches at Tolka Park, and it is only a matter of time before they find a clinical edge in front of goal.
A draw looks to be the safe bet here, however, if there is to be a winner, the champions appear to be the most likely.