- Bohemians have scored just 29 goals in 17 home matches in the Premier Division 2026.
- Shelbourne have conceded just 19 goals in 17 away fixtures in the Premier Division 2026.
- Bohs' Alan Reynolds has prioritised structure over style since his 26 March 2024 appointment.
Another Dublin derby awaits
Bohemians have failed to beat Shelbourne in their last two home clashes and Shelbourne will be feeling their oats, so this derby at Dalymount Park should be a decent contest.
The Bohs are currently in second spot in the Premier Division 2026 on 62 points after 34 games, 16 ahead of Shelbourne who are currently fourth on 46 points from the same 34 matches. So, they have been the tighter of the title-chasing pair all season long.
However, they are in mixed form coming into this latest clash between these Dublin rivals, having won three and lost two of their last five matches, but the 2-1 victory at Waterford earlier today was a useful reset, and they will need to be near their best to win this game.
Shels can still sting the hosts
A couple of Bohs' recent home form might have you thinking this will be a walkover, but they have only won two and lost one of their last three home matches. Shelbourne are unbeaten in three away, winning two and drawing one, so their away record of seven wins, eight draws and only two defeats in the Premier Division 2026 suggests they can be stubborn travellers on Friday.
The Reds' style is very different to Bohs' pragmatic, control-first game and is more about width, numbers in the box and a proactive press, although they can dial that up or down depending on the opponent. John Russell has done a good job since taking charge on 13 July 2026, bringing a higher-tempo, more aggressive pressing edge.
Take the hosts to edge a close encounter
Bohemians are the favourites at 16/25, with Shelbourne at 18/5 and the draw at 31/10, so the best angle alongside the home side must surely be over 2.5 goals at 13/20.
It has been a very close affair in the last five Premier Division head-to-head meetings with Bohs winning once, Shelbourne once and the other three finishing all square. The Bohs won 3-0 away in this fixture three months ago, a result that is still reverberating in Dublin, but Shelbourne will be looking to make up for that when they come to Dalymount Park.
Colm Whelan tops the Premier Division 2026 scoring charts for Bohs with 12 in 31, but Ross Tierney has chipped in with two of Bohs' last five goals, so he could be a good choice in the anytime goalscorer market. Harry Wood leads Shelbourne's scoring charts with 11 in 24, but Daniel Kelly has provided four assists in the goals Shelbourne have scored in their last 11 and looks their most likely goal threat.
