- Shelbourne FC are unbeaten away from home this season (1 win, 3 draws).
- Shelbourne FC have conceded just 4 goals in those 4 away games in all competitions.
- Kerry FC are in good form, winning 3, drawing 1, and losing 1 of their last 5.
Shelbourne are the clear favourites
Shelbourne FC are 17/50 favourites to beat Kerry FC in this FAI Cup 2026 encounter, with the home side all the way out at 29/4 and the draw at 17/5. Lorcan Fitzgerald's men have had some good results recently but have yet to put anyone away on their own, instead, they are a solid rather than spectacular side.
The Red and White Army beat Dundalk 2-1 in the Premier Division 2026 just before the international break and followed that up with a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Celtic a fortnight ago. They have found a rhythm in possession, a structure to build from and a pressing game that has them in the driving seat.
Kerry FC have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 10 in all competitions, which isn't a terrible run but not spectacular either. Colin Healy's team have found some of their best form on the road in their most recent 2 games however, losing 2-1 away to Treaty United before securing a 2-2 draw away to Wexford last Friday, so they'll be heading into this one with momentum.
Red and Whites to edge it
Kerry are a dangerous side in possession and will attempt to play through the thirds against Shelbourne, who will look to lock them in their own half and force the turnovers. Harry Wood has been in great form for Shelbourne, scoring 4 goals in their last 5 games, and is the spark for the visiting side who have netted 7 times in that run.
If Shelbourne can keep the press up and the tempo, they should have enough to edge this contest. The hosts have scored 8 goals in their last 5 home games though, so they do have bite up front. We think the safest bet is to go with the visitors to win and under 4.5 goals, an outcome that fits the shape of the game and the controlled approach of the away side. Kerry's home record will prevent this from feeling like a walkover, however, so back the visitors to nick a close one.
