With just two wins between them from their last 10 games combined, current form may have some observers reassessing their pre-season predictions that the Premier Division campaign would again be something of a two-horse race.
Bohemians have won once in six games while Shelbourne have lost three of their last five. Scarcely title-winning form.
Bohemians' search for an improvement is hampered by injuries and the novelty of having two players away on international duty. Avery John is with Trinidad & Tobago while promising right-back Brian Shelley is in Don Givens' Irish under-21 squad for tonight's UEFA Championship game with Cyprus in Longford.
To add to manager Pete Mahon's problems he has serious doubts over the fitness of both Stephen Caffrey (knee) and Simon Webb (back strain).
Good news is provided by the return from suspension and injury respectively of Glen Crowe and Dave Hill. Gary O'Neill, Ken Oman, Declan Field and Anthony Shevlin come into the squad.
Shelbourne have Dessie Baker back from his two-match ban but younger brother Richie is a doubt, having had 'flu this week. Gareth Downey continues in goal for the injured Steve Williams.
Meanwhile, Mahon has said Bohemians are not prepared to pay a fee to bring Shelbourne's transfer-listed midfielder, Mark Dempsey, back to Dalymount after he left in the summer on a free transfer.
Last season: Shelbourne 4 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 2 Bohemians 4.
Current league form: Bohemians: WLDDD; Shelbourne: LDWLL.
Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (six); Shelbourne: R Baker (three).
Referee: J. O'Neill (Waterford).
Betting: Home: 6/4; Draw: 2/1; Away: 7/4.
SUSPENSIONS
Shelbourne midfielder Pat Fenlon is out of the meeting with St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park on October 19th. Fenlon was sent off against Derry City recently and has received a one-match ban.
Bray Wanderers' Colm Tresson, sent off against Monaghan United, misses their match that weekend at home to Galway United.
Dundalk defender Stephen McGuinness, who has already served two suspensions this season, has received a one-game ban following his red card against St Patrick's Athletic.
Finn Harps' Shane Bradley is out for two games after reaching 11 penalty points. Peter Rogers, the Kilkenny City midfielder, misses one match following his red card against Sligo Rovers.
Suspensions effective from October 17th.
