League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will host out-of-form Derry City at Dalymount Park on Friday evening in the SSE Aitricity League Premier Division (Kick off: 7:45pm). Bohs will welcome Derry as they continue to state their claim for European football next season.

Manager Keith Long was pleased with what he saw last week against Sligo and is hoping for more of the same this time around against Derry.

“Winning is a good habit and, equally so, losing can become a bad habit. So, it was important that we didn’t let the rot set in last week. It was a good three points, and we hope we can back it up against Derry,” explained Long.

“The players really dug in and put their bodies on the line. It was our first clean sheet in seven competitive games and a return to the defensive performances that served us so well earlier in the season.”

Bohs boss Long has Lorcan Fitzgerald back from suspension however the defender is rated doubtful for the fixture with a hamstring injury. Derek Pender and Dan Byrne remain out through long term injury as well as Anto Murphy who is serving a suspension however Eoin Wearen is back at Bohs and is in contention.  

DERRY CITY

Peter Hutton will take his Derry side to Dublin in an attempt to regain control of their season having failed to win since April. The Candystripes are now in dire need of the three points.

Last time out, Derry welcomed Limerick to the Brandywell but the trend of their season so far, missed chances, caused the Foylesiders the three points in the bottom of the table clash. The point did lift them out of the relegation zone but they continue to hang on the edge of the drop and will be hopeful of a win to gain some distance between them and fellow strugglers Sligo.

Peter Hutton has no injuries to worry about for the game at Dalymount however he will have to slightly reshuffle the pack with Philip Lowry ruled out through suspension.

Referee: Raymond Matthews.

MATCH STATS

Derry are without a win in the league since April.

Bohemians won the corresponding fixture at the Brandywell earlier this season. (2-1)

Derry remain the lowest scoring side across the two divisions with just 12 goals in 20 games.

BETTING

Bohemians Evens; Draw 23/10; Derry City 13/5.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-1 Derry City.

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender, Dan Byrne.

Doubtful: Lorcan Fitzgerald (hamstring).

Suspended: Anto Murphy.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Philip Lowry.