Drogheda Utd v Shelbourne

Drogheda United vs Shelbourne Preview

Drogheda United suffered another heavy defeat in the Irish Premier Division last Friday night when they were hammered 5-1 away from home at Derry City which followed a previous 3-0 loss on the road at Galway United, while Shelbourne collected a third league win on the trot in the domestic top flight thanks to a solid 2-0 home win against Galway United to maintain their position at the top of the table.

That heavy loss to Derry City means Drogheda United still remain bottom of the Irish Premier Division table where they trail second from bottom club Dundalk by a three-point margin ahead of Friday night's fixtures and having failed to win any of their previous eight league matches, Drogheda United look bereft of any confidence right now.

Indeed, Drogheda United have lost six of these last eight games which haven't exactly helped their cause and includes losses incurred on home soil at their Weavers Park to the likes of Galway United and Shamrock Rovers as well.

The bigger picture further underlines the problems that Drogheda United have experienced as the hosts have managed to capture just two wins in their previous 19 games overall in the Premier Division along with slipping to 10 defeats as well.

Despite being dealt a surprise 2-1 loss at home to Sligo Rovers, three wins either side of this defeat have helped Shelbourne pick up six wins in their last seven games overall which has maintained their place at the summit of the Irish Premier Division table ahead of Friday night's trip to Weavers Park.

Within these recent six wins, Shelbourne have collected wins on the road at St Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Waterford respectively amidst an overall solid sequence of results which have seen Shelbourne slip up just once in their previous 12 games.

Seven wins within these last 12 games should stand Shelbourne in good stead for this upcoming tussle against a Drogheda United side who are struggling with form and confidence, along with the added motivation of wanting to remain top of the table as well.

The bigger picture further emphasises Shelbourne's consistent results in the domestic top flight as Damien Duff's side have been handed just three defeats in their last 27 matches overall, while losing just twice in their previous 19 outings on the road and a trip to the bottom placed club on Friday night should result in further success for Shelbourne.

Drogheda United v Shelbourne Verdict

Shelbourne are unbeaten in their last eight meetings against Drogheda United and although there have also been four draws within this period as well, Shelbourne's current form suggests the visitors are likely to gain the upper hand over their hosts once again at Weavers Park on Friday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Shelbourne win @ 1.80

Other side bets worth considering:

Shelbourne win & Under 2.5 goals @ 3.75

Correct Score: Shelbourne 1-0 @ 6.00