- Shelbourne FC have won 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads, drawing the other 2.
- Shelbourne FC’s home record stands at W4, D4, L4 in 12 Premier Division 2025 games at Tolka Park.
- Cork City FC have not won away from home in Premier Division 2025, drawing 2 and losing 8 from their 10 away games.
O’Brien looking to set his stamp
Joey O’Brien took over as Shelbourne manager on the 22nd of June 2025, and will be keen to make an immediate impact on his home debut. Our Shelbourne FC vs Cork City FC prediction is closely linked to Shelbourne's current league position, as they sit 5th in the Premier Division 2025 table with 32 points from 24 games, a mid-table position they’ve occupied for most of the season.
Shelbourne employ a high-energy, pressing game that looks to create high-speed transitions and cause the opposition problems with the ball when they play. This Shelbourne FC vs Cork City FC preview highlights a style that has proven profitable for Shelbourne throughout the campaign and will need to remain the same to avoid a slip up on Friday.
O’Brien’s appointment came off the back of 2 consecutive home defeats for Shelbourne in their last 2 games at Tolka Park, and the new boss will have to be wary of his side’s recent poor form at home.
Cork City’s away struggles
Cork City have been unable to get going under new manager Gerard Nash, who took over on the 15th of May 2025. Nash’s early days in charge of Cork City have seen him tighten up a leaky defense, but they’re still winless on the road.
Cork City have played 10 away matches in the Premier Division 2025, drawing 2 and losing 8 of those. The visitors currently occupy 10th place in the table with 15 points from 22 matches, and they will be desperately looking for 3 points at Shelbourne on Friday, according to this Shelbourne FC vs Cork City FC prediction.
Tight match-up expected
These sides have already met once in the Premier Division 2025 just four weeks ago, as the game ended 1-1 at Cork City's ground; this Shelbourne FC vs Cork City FC betting tips article suggests another close contest may be on the cards.
Both sides are entering this game on the back of two-match draw streaks, suggesting a close matchup may be on the cards again.
Shelbourne have conceded an average of 1.08 goals per home game this season, conceding 13 goals in 12 home league games, suggesting they have a solid base for Cork City to attack from.
The Shelbourne FC vs Cork City FC odds make the hosts a very clear favourite to win this fixture at 1.61, as Cork City are all the way out at 4.75.
I think Shelbourne should win this, but both teams have been drawing recently so I’m leaning towards a Shelbourne win and both teams to score at 1.89 for a little more value.
