League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
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BOHEMIANS
Bohemians will go into Friday night's Dublin Derby fixture with Shamrock Rovers looking to continue their solid start to the season.
With four points, five goals scored and two conceded each, both teams will take to the fabled Dalymount Park turf with identical records from their opening two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division games.
However, Gypsies manager Owen Heary believes form counts for nothing when it comes to a Rovers-Bohs derby tie: “Form goes out the window, it's all about who adapts well to the game. Big Dublin derbies against your biggest rivals - there's no bigger game for us. It'll be a challenge, but it's one that the players are looking forward to.”
Absent for the Phibsborough side will be captain Dave Mulcahy who misses out with a knee injury along with Andy Mulligan (quad), and Lee Whelan (ankle). The participation of Anto Murphy is also in doubt as the 31-year old midfielder continues to nurse a hamstring problem. There is some good news for Bohs on the injury front however with winger Karl Moore recovering from a groin injury in time to face his former club.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Following on from last Friday's emphatic 4-1 win away to Athlone, Shamrock Rovers will cross the River Liffey on Friday night hoping to score a victory over their most bitter rivals for the first time in almost two years.
Speaking ahead of the game, Hoops manager Trevor Croly spoke of his wish that the Dalymount Park playing surface be in prime condition for Friday's grudge fixture.
“Hopefully the pitch will live up to what we are expecting from the game and is worthy of the hype around the game. I’m sure Bohemians will do their best to have it in good condition. All the players and fans are looking forward to the game, and we want to give them the best spectacle we can on the night.”
Unfortunately for Croly he will have to plan without the services of centre-half David O'Connor who remains sidelined with an ankle-ligament injury sustained in Rovers' league opener at home to Derry City.
The Rovers midfield may also have to do without some of its most important components with doubts being cast over the fitness of winger Marty Waters (calf) and the central midfield duo of Stephen McPhail (tendonitis) and Ryan Brennan (foot problem).
Referee: Padraig Sutton
MATCH STATS
Friday's game may be Luke Byrne's first return to Dalymount Park since his close season departure to Tallaght but he won't be the only ex-Bohs player among the Rovers squad with Jason McGuinness, Barry Murphy and Robert Bailey all having previously plied their trade with the Gypsies.
Bohemians target man Jason Byrne has been a dreaded opposition player for the Hoops faithful over the years with him netting 21 goals against the club since he made his League of Ireland debut in 1998.
The crowd of 41,238 that witnessed the 1945 FAI Cup final between the two clubs remains the all-time record attendance for an FAI Cup final.
BETTING
Bohemians 3/1; draw 9/4; Shamrock Rovers 10/11.
PREDICTION
1-1 draw
Bohemians
Injured: Dave Mulcahy (knee), Andy Mulligan (quad), Lee Whelan (ankle)
Doubtful: Anto Murphy (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: David O'Connor (Ankle-ligament damage)
Doubtful: Marty Waters (calf), Stephen McPhail (tendonitis), Ryan Brennan (foot problem)
Suspended: None
