Shelbourne vs Galway United: Lineups, Predictions & Betting Tips Predictions

Shelbourne vs Galway United Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: Sep 7, 2025 | Tolka Park | League of Ireland Premier Division | 17:00 GMT

While the top-flight in Ireland is technically on an international break, Shelbourne and Galway United must play out this rearranged fixture at Tolka Park on Sunday. The circumstances behind the original postponment are tragic to say the least, with Galway's assistant manager Ollie Horgan passing away after a battle with illness at the age of just 57.

Horgan was a legend within Irish football circles and beyond, so much so his funeral was attended by the Irish President. The Donegal native is best remembered for his time in charge of Finn Harps, who against all odds he consistantly managed to keep in the Premier Division during his time there.

More recently, he was John Caulfield's number two at Galway with the pair working in tandem to deliver promotion to the Tribesmen before an excellent maiden season back in the top league. However, Galway are now in relegation danger and you would have to wonder how big of an effect the loss of Ollie is having on the camp.

Galway haven't won a league game since mid-June and that is their only such win in their last 11. As a result, Sligo Rovers are breathing down Galway's necks in the race to avoid the relegation play offs.

Shelbourne's historic qualification for the group stage of the Conference League brought light to Irish football on a sad week with Joey O'Brien's Reds blowing away Linfield at Windsor Park in Belfast in the play-off round last Thursday. The challenge now will be refocusing on league matters and trying to qualify for Europe again next season.

Key Betting Tip: Shelbourne win @2.00 odds (Kwiff)

Shelbourne vs Galway United Predicted Lineups

Shelbourne Predicted XI: Speal, Mbeng, Bone, Barrett, Norris, Coote, Lunney, McInroy, Caffrey, Odubeko, Wood.

Galway United Predicted XI: Clarke, Burns, Slevin, Brouder, Horgan, Buckley, Hickey, McCarthy, Keoghane, Hurley, Walsh

Last 5 H2H Results

27/06/25 Galway 1-1 Shelbourne (LOI) 21/04/25 Shelbourne 2-2 Galway (LOI) 03/03/25 Galway 1-1 Shelbourne (LOI) 20/09/24 Galway 1-0 Shelbourne (LOI) 16/08/24 Shelbourne 1-1 Galway (FAI Cup - Shelbourne won on pens)

Shelbourne Last 5 Matches:

Linfield 0-2 Shelbourne (UECL) Shelbourne 3-1 Linfield (UECL) St.Pat's 2-0 Shelbourne (FAI Cup) Shelbourne 1-3 Rijeka (UEL) Shelbourne 2-2 Bohemians (LOI)

Due to their recent European expoloits, Shelbourne haven't played too many domestic games of late. However, an away win against the Croatian champions Rijeka (not listed above) and the level of performances displayed against Linfield show that Shels may have another gear in them for the remainder of the league season.

Galway United Last 5 Matches:

Galway 1-2 Derry City (LOI) Salthill 0-4 Galway (FAI Cup) Galway 0-0 Shamrock Rovers (LOI) Cork City 1-0 Galway (LOI) Galway 2-4 Waterford (LOI)

Aside from a routine cup win against non-league opposition, Galway are on a terrible run of form. While a point at home to champions elect Shamrock Rovers proves Galway can still be a tough nut to crack, their lack of goals remains a huge concern.

Shelbourne vs Galway United Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 53.30% confidence in a Shelbourne victory. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Shelbourne vs Galway United Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.08 odds - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted over 2.5 goals this fixture.

Key Players to Watch: Shelbourne vs Galway United

Harry Wood (Shelbourne): Wood has scored two of the biggest goals in Shelbourne's recent history, a late winner on the final day last season away to Derry to secure the title, and morev recently the opening goal in the second leg play off against Linfield, a goal that effectively killed the tie.

Ali Coote (Shelbourne): A former Celtic and Rangers player, Coote is playing some good stuff at the moment and showed his confidence with a goal away to Linfield last week.

Brendan Clarke (Galway): The former Shelbourne goalkeeper has been reinstated as number one recently and his experience will be key if Galway are to avoid the drop. Unlucky not to feature in the league's team of the year last season with Shelbourne's Conor Kearns just pipping him.

Jimmy Keohane (Galway): One of Galway's more technical players, he scored a fine goal in the cup against Shelbourne last season and he may be needed to contribute from midfield again given Galway's striker woes.

Shelbourne vs Galway United Match Facts

Referee: Neil Doyle - One of the most experienced referees in the entire league of Ireland. Generally the man the league call on for the biggest of games.

Broadcast Details:

LOI TV

Stadium Information: Tolka Park (Dublin) - Tolka Park is an Irish association football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne men's and women's senior sides with a capacity of just under 6,000.