Bohemians -v- Shelbourne
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BOHEMIANS
A real 'Dublin Decider' takes place in Dalymount Park on Friday as 10th place Bohemians welcome bottom of the table Shelbourne.
Confidence is high for Bohs coming into the game after an excellent 0-0 draw with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds last weekend. They will see this as a must win game after picking up only two points from their last five league games.
Manager Aaron Callaghan is cautious of a somewhat rejuvenated Shels side.
"It's a cup final for both clubs. Shels have improved under Johnny McDonnell, he has them more organized. Both clubs know the importance of the game. Realistically, we have to look at the chasing pack around us. We know that Shels are within touching distance, but we can't control what others are going to do.”
Bohs welcomed captain and ex-Shels player Owen Heary back into the side last weekend and he played a vital role in the clean sheet the clean sheet. Callaghan knows that the veteran is crucial to ensuring stability in this young side.
"He just gives us that extra bit of experience. It obviously improves the communication amongst the defenders, and allows us to push Dave Mulcahy into midfield. When you have that type of experience and work-rate to come in, it rubs off on the young players. Owen is a winner, and it just shows you how important it is to have that experience in key positions.”
If they are to climb out of the pack near the bottom of the table the gypsies will need to improve their home form. They have only one two of their eight home league games this season and Callaghan knows this is an area which needs work.
“One of the key areas we need to address is our home form. We seem to be picking up some good points on our travels - we've got some good draws away to Drogheda, St Pat's, Shamrock Rovers, and obviously last week against Sligo. We know we have to improve our home form in the second half of the season.”
Heary is a doubt for the game, as are Luke Byrne and Keith Buckley. The three will be assessed prior to the game before a final decision is made on their fitness.
SHELBOURNE
Friday’s tie is a season defining game for Shelbourne who currently lie eight points adrift at the bottom of the table. Both UCD and Bohemians are level on 14 points so a win would reduce the gap substantially before the mid season break.
Despite two impressive cup wins, Shels have yet to secure a league point since Johnny McDonnell took charge. Luck was against them last weekend when Derry escaped from Tolka Park with all three points despite Dean Kelly and Sean Brennan missing excellent chances which could have changed the course of the game.
Shels lost the reverse to an early Kevin Devaney goal and have only won one league game since. They have scored only six goals in the 16 games played so far this league campaign.
Paul Crowley will miss the game due to a hip injury, while Rob Cornwall will also miss out due to an ankle knock. Robert Bayly was substituted due to injury at half time against Derry and is unlikely to return for the Bohs game. New signing Gareth O’Connor will be in the squad if registration forms are processed in time for the game.
Referee: Tomas Connolly.
MATCH STATS
Shels have yet to win away from home in the league this season.
Both sides got four points from games against each-other last season with Shels winning one, Bohs winning one and a draw.
Shels last league goal came over a month ago on May 6th against Bray Wanderers.
BETTING
Bohemians 10/11; Draw 9/4; Shelbourne 3/1.
PREDICTION
Bohs 1-1 Shels.
Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Owen Heary (hip), Luke Byrne (dead leg), Keith Buckley (hamstring).
Suspended: None.
Shelbourne
Injured: Paul Crowley (hip), Rob Cornwall (ankle).
Doubtful: Robert Bayly.
Suspended: None.
