Shelbourne vs Linfield Prediction: Shels out to repeat progress in island of Ireland rematch

Shelbourne welcome Linfield back to Tolka Park on Thursday (20:00 BST Premier Sports 1) as the pair meet in European competition for the second time in five weeks.

Dublin-based Shelbourne saw off their Northern Irish counterparts in the Champions League first qualifying round in July and now the pair meet again with a place in the Conference League at stake. Read on for our Shelbourne vs Linfield predictions.

After overcoming Linfield, Shelbourne were defeated 4-0 on aggregate by Qarabag, which dropped them into the Europa League qualifiers. There, they took a 2-1 lead in Croatia against Rijeka but lost 3-1 at home to go out 4-3 on aggregate, leaving their last European hopes in this Conference League play-off against Linfield.

Linfield, after losing to Shelbourne, moved straight into the Conference League path and have since accounted for Zalgiris Vilnius 2-0 on aggregate and Vikingur 3-2 over two legs.

Team News

Conor Kearns is likely to miss out once more for Shelbourne through injury, with loan signing Wessel Speel taking his spot in goal. Otherwise, Joey O’Brien appears to have a fit squad to select from.

Goalkeeper Chris Johns went off injured in Linfield’s last match, with David Walsh replacing the No.1, and that looks like the major selection call for David Healy to make this week.

Shelbourne vs Linfield Odds

Shelbourne are 9/10 to win this game on home soil, with Linfield priced at 16/5 for the victory and the draw available at 9/4.

Under 2.5 goals is an 8/13 option, while backing Shelbourne to win to nil comes in at 15/8.

Shelbourne to win @ 5/6

Shelbourne held on to their 1-0 home advantage to progress 2-1 on aggregate the last time these two sides met, and the Dubliners will need no reminder of how valuable a first-leg lead could be in this repeat fixture.

Their form has tailed off of late, but the defeats need to be put into perspective as they came against European opposition of a higher standard than Linfield.

Despite their poor recent run Shels should have too much quality for their Northern Irish visitors and a home win looks a solid option in this clash.

Under 2.5 total goals @ 4/7

Both legs of the Champions League qualification clash between this pairw were tight affairs, ending 1-0 and 1-1, and another close fixture could be on the cards.

While Linfield would love to take a lead back with them, just staying in the tie ahead of their home leg will be the aim for this clash. Under 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in six of Linfield’s last eight fixtures, and another tight match looks in store in Dublin.

Shelbourne will want to take a lead to Belfast but will not leave themselves too open at the back. A cagey start to this two-legged affair may be in store and backing under 2.5 goals appeals.

Offers

Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

Click here for the latest Football Odds and Today's Football Fixtures

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub