Bitesize Prediction: Shelbourne vs Sligo Rovers – 31/05/24

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Shelbourne win

Odds: 7/10 @ BetUS

Simply looking to widen their spot at the top of the Premier Division table, Shelbourne will welcome Sligo Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Shelbourne might have eventually fallen short last season in the race to book a lucrative European ticket, the Reds are enjoying a real fairytale this time around. Last seen putting in another stunning performance as they secured a 2-0 victory away at defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Damien Duff’s men are leading the chase at the top of the Premier Division table and the mood in their camp should be at a red-hot high. Opening Friday’s return to Tolka Park holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the table, the one-time Chelsea star will be smelling the chance to make another statement of intent here. Including a 2-1 win against St. Patrick’s earlier in the month, Shelbourne have won all of their previous three Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 5-1. Likewise, unbeaten in all of their last eight consecutive top-flight battles, Duff’s side are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender this weekend.

As for the visitors, while Sligo might have eventually kept hold of their Premier Division status last season, it appears the Rovers are destined for another relegation scrap this time around. Once again looking over their shoulder at a bottom-two battle, John Russell’s men have collected just a single victory from any of their previous 10 consecutive top-flight appearances. With that rut stemming all the way back to March 29th, Friday’s guests have also shown some extended issues away from the Showgrounds. Including consecutive 3-0 drumming against St. Patrick’s and Shamrock last month, Sligo have registered just a pair of points from any of their previous five showdowns on the road. Facing what will be a real challenge here, the Rovers should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Friday’s hosts. Suffering a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Shelbourne to town on March 1st, they have collected just a sole point from any of their previous five meetings.

Bet: Shelbourne 7/10 to beat Sligo Rovers in Friday’s Irish Premier Division battle @ BetUS