Shelbourne FC

vs

Sligo Rovers FC

Predictions & Betting Tips

Shelbourne to edge a tight game

Shelbourne FC will face off against Sligo Rovers FC in a Premier Division 2025 game on Friday and the Red and Whites will be looking to close the gap to the top of the table. This Shelbourne FC vs Sligo Rovers FC prediction highlights the potential for a tight and competitive clash as both sides are desperate for points. Damien Duff has done an excellent job since taking over the Red and White’s helm in November 2021, instilling a toughness and grit to their performances that has seen them to a respectable sixth position in the table with 23 points from 17 games. Shelbourne have been inconsistent of late, with one win, one draw and three defeats from their last five league fixtures. However, the Shelbourne FC vs Sligo Rovers FC preview indicates they are winless in their last three home games against Sligo, a run of results which may give John Russell’s side some confidence that they can pull off an upset.

Rovers can play on the counter

The visitors have also been in inconsistent form, winning one, drawing two and losing two of their previous five Premier Division games. Our Shelbourne FC vs Sligo Rovers FC prediction notes they sit tenth in the league table, having taken just 12 points from their 16 games and are looking to pull themselves off the bottom. Sligo have been more adventurous under Russell’s guidance since he took charge in May 2022 and his teams have played with more width and directness away from home. They have scored 11 times on their travels so far this league campaign, with five defeats and just two wins.

Red and Whitess to keep things tight

The contrast in styles of play could lead to a cagey midfield battle on Friday, with the hosts’ discipline and organisation likely to frustrate the away side. However, Sligo’s goalkeeper has pulled off some crucial saves in recent away games, allowing the Rovers to remain competitive. Ademipo Odubeko leads the line for Shelbourne with four goals in 17 league appearances this season. The 30-year-old is often the focal point of their attacks and Damien Duff’s men have conceded only 8 goals at Tolka Park this season, less than a goal a game in the Premier Division. The Shelbourne FC vs Sligo Rovers FC prediction is that Shelbourne have to be fancied to get the three points at -172 but Sligo can be very tough to break down and are a huge +481 to take the points. The visitors’ last away game was a 1-0 win at Galway United and with the title race looking tight, every point counts for the leaders. Given the league positions of these two sides, it would be a surprise if the home side didn’t grind out a result at some point. However, the Shelbourne FC vs Sligo Rovers FC betting tips suggest that given Shelbourne’s strong defensive home record, the ‘Both Teams To Score: No’ market also looks very tempting to us.