Dundalk – Shelbourne

Dundalk host Shelbourne at Oriel Park with a slim five‑point advantage in the table, sitting fourth on 41 points from 30 games, their record reading 10 wins, 11 draws and nine defeats while edging a 47‑46 goal difference. Shelbourne arrive in sixth place on 36 points, having secured eight victories, twelve draws and nine losses, and sit three goals behind their rivals in the standings. Both sides have shown a propensity for draws this season, which suggests a tightly contested encounter could be on the cards. Historically the two clubs have produced close affairs, and the narrow gap in points and goal margins adds extra spice to what promises to be a pivotal clash in the race for European spots.