League Preview: Derry City - V - Bohemians

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes have had plenty of ups and downs this season. Excellent league form has guaranteed them to be in the top five this season, but two semi final cup defeats to Limerick and Dundalk has broke the hearts of the fans and the young Derry side manager Kenny Shiels has opted for this campaign.

The Foylersiders came from behind twice last Saturday in their win over Longford Town to move above Shamrock Rovers into third after the Dublin side slipped up against Bohemians last Friday night.

However, the result on Tuesday between rivals Finn Harps and St.Patricks Athletic gives Derry an exta incentive tonight.

The draw at Finn Park on Tuesday night means a win at the Brandywell will guarantee City fourth spot and European football for next season.

Speaking to local radio station Drive105 Kenny Shiels exclaimed that he wants the fans to come out in number's to get the club across the line.

"First priority is to get into Europe and we know if we beat Bohemians we're in Europe, that can't be taken away from us," Shiels said.

"So that's the focus of our energy this week and winning against Bohemians qualifys that, so it's a brilliant achievement by the lads, and the support has been brilliant so hopefully they'll come out tomorrow night."

BOHEMIANS

The Gypsies have had tremendous home form this season, but it has been their away form, which has let them down this campaign.

However, an impressive victory against Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers last Friday would have given Keith Long's side a confidence boost and he has urged them to spoil the party in Derry tonight, a side they haven't managed to conquer this season.

"To finish the season with three away games isn't easy. But we're sixth now and we don't want to drop down the table," Long said.

"We haven't had it our way against Derry this season." Long continued.

"Last year we had the upper hand, beating them three times."

"This year they've beaten us twice in the league and knocked us out of the cup.

"There hasn't been a lot between the sides in those games. But we have to approach this game on its own merits and go out  and give it all we've got."

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH FACTS

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season. Derry have managed to pick up all three points twice in the league and also knocked the Dublin side out of the cup.

A win tonight seals European football for Derry. The reasoning for this is because in the Premier Division the top three sides qualify for Europe alongside the FAI Cup winner. Dundalk and Cork are this year's FAI Cup finalists meaning fourth spot also secures European football.

A defeat for Bohemians tonight will mean it will be the first time in three years they haven't been able to beat Derry in a league campaign.

BETTING

Derry City 2/3; Draw 11/4; Bohemians 4/1.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Bohemians

Derry City

Injured: Aaron Barry.
Doubtful: Max Karner, Ryan McBride.
Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Ismahil Akinade .
Doubtful: Stephen Best, Dan Byrne.
Suspended: Roberto Lopes.