Derry City vs Shelbourne – News and Probable Lineups

Bohemians will aim to reduce the gap at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division as they face Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Monday.

The Candystripes are in search of their first victory in six matches, while the Reds are looking for their third win in a row.

Match overview

Derry, managed by Tiernan Lynch, ended the 2025 season in second place; however, they have fallen behind in the title race this season and require a boost heading into Monday’s matchup.

The Candystripes are currently sixth in the Premier Division, with a total of 21 points, falling 10 points short of the top three positions which qualify for European competitions.

This considerable gap has widened recently due to a lackluster period of five games without a victory, although some may note that Lynch’s squad has only lost once – a narrow 1-0 defeat to Drogheda United on May 8 – as a silver lining.

Nevertheless, Derry’s recent matches have been disappointing, having dropped points against league bottom dwellers Waterford in a 2-2 draw last week and playing a goalless match against second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic in their latest fixture, indicating a lack of inspiration regardless of their opponents.

Approaching Monday’s match, the Candystripes will be eager to recalibrate their form, but fans might have reservations as the hosts have managed to win just one of their last five home games, overcoming Shamrock Rovers 1-0 on April 24.

On the other hand, Joey O’Brien’s Shelbourne are also not performing at the same level as they did in 2025, where they concluded the season in third place; however, the team seems to have made positive strides before this encounter.

Last Friday, the Reds added to their commendable 1-0 win over St Patrick’s by defeating Waterford 2-1, thanks to a last-minute goal from Sean Boyd.

This victory marked O’Brien’s side’s first back-to-back wins of 2026 and extends their unbeaten run to five matches.

These recent results place Shelbourne fifth in the league, now seven points adrift of Bohemians in third, while maintaining a five-point buffer above ninth-placed Sligo Rovers, who are in the relegation playoff zone.

Moreover, the Reds can draw confidence from their strong away performances this season, having lost just once on their travels and winning five of their last seven away fixtures.

Team News

Derry will be without goalkeeper Brian Maher, who has been on the sidelines since February, as well as centre-back Robert Slevin due to an injury. Compounding their defensive issues, Jamie Stott will also miss out after receiving his fifth yellow card against St Patrick’s.

To fill these gaps, Lynch might consider a backline featuring Conor Barr, Patrick McClean, and Cameron Dummigan in front of goalkeeper Eddie Beach.

In addition, midfielder Darragh Markey is also suspended following a booking in the previous match, while versatile wing-back James McClean is facing a muscle injury, leading to the expected inclusion of Adam O’Reilly and James Olayinka in midfield, supported by wing-backs Barry Cotter and Brandon Fleming.

As for Shelbourne, the team is largely fit; however, centre-back Odhran Casey will sit out again, having been unavailable since February.

In his place, O’Brien may select Sam Bone and Patrick Barrett to start in central defense, with Milan Mbeng and Kameron Ledwidge playing as full-backs.

Derry City probable starting XI:

Beach; Barr, Dummigan, P McClean; Cotter, O’Reilly, Olayinka, Fleming; Santos, Rylah; Clarke

Shelbourne probable starting XI:

Play; Mbeng, Bone, Barrett, Ledwidge; Caffrey, Coote, Lunney, Wood, Jarvis; Freitas

Derry has faced difficulties securing victories lately, yet they have shown remarkable resilience, making it unlikely that they will be easily defeated.

Meanwhile, Shelbourne’s momentum has increased with consecutive wins for the first time this year, but they may encounter frustration against Derry.