League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
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BOHEMIANS
More than a month since the controversial cancellation of the original version of this fixture, Bohemians finally get the chance to face their great adversaries from south of the Liffey for the third and final time in their 2014 league campaign.
Bohs come into this grudge encounter on the back of a scoreless draw away to Athlone last Friday, a game which they dominated for the best part of 90 minutes.
Although disappointed not to have returned to Dublin from Lissywollen with all three points, manager Owen Heary declared himself pleased with his side's performance saying more of the same will be needed against Rovers if they are to take points off Pat Fenlon's side.
“Our attitude was right going into the game and we took the game to them. We need to have the same attitude on Tuesday,” he said.
“Rovers will be chomping at the bit, especially after being beaten in a cup final.”
Unfortunately for Heary, he faces into this derby clash with a squad plagued by a combination of injury, illness and suspension. In addition to the suspended trio of Eoin Wearen, Craig Walsh and Jake Hyland, Kevin Devaney (toe), Daniel Byrne (cruciate) and Anto Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined with knocks whilst flu casts doubts over the fitness of Steven Beattie and Roberto Lopes.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers begin a vital week in their quest to bring European football back to Tallaght following a two year gap when they make the short hop across the river to Dalymount Park.
With cup action the prime task on their agenda the last two weeks, Pat Fenlon's men will resume their league programme looking to peg back the eight point gap separating them from third place St. Patricks Athletic who they meet at Richmond Park on Friday night.
The first step on the road to achieving that goal will be to take three points back from Dublin 7 at a venue which has proved to be a fertile hunting ground for the Hoops so far this season.
Given that his full strength squad emerged from Saturday's 3-2 League Cup final defeat to Dundalk unscathed by injury, it is expected that Pat Fenlon will again hold the privilege of having a full compliment of players to choose from.
Referee: Unknown
MATCH STATS
On both of their two visits to Phibsborough this season, Shamrock Rovers have come away with bragging rights over their bitter rivals. The first of these meetings was a 3-1 league win for the Hoops back in March which was followed by a 2-0 League Cup semi-final victory over the Gypsies on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
Rovers boss Pat Fenlon guided Bohs to two league titles and an FAI Cup in his four seasons at Dalymount Park.
The last time Rovers scored back to back league wins over Bohs was back in their league winning 2011 season.
BETTING
Bohemians 12/5; draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 11/10
PREDICTION
1-0 to the Hoops
Bohemians:
Injured: Anto Murphy (ankle), Kevin Devaney (toe), Daniel Byrne (cruciate)
Doubtful: Roberto Lopes and Steven Beattie (flu)
Suspended: Craig Walsh, Jake Hyland, Eoin Wearen
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: (Not Available)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: (Not Available)
Doubtful: (Not Available)
