League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS

The Gypsies are looking to get back to winning ways tonight against Derry City after successive defeats to Dundalk and Finn Harps (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Dublin side were in good form before their minor hiccup, picking up ten points from four games.

A win tonight at Dalymount Park would get Bohs back on track and would put them nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Bohs boss Keith Long knows just how big tonight’s fixture is for the Dublin side in their fight for survival.

"We have to play with more quality, more aggression and more intensity to get anything from the game,” Long told to the club’s website.

"We need to bounce back together from the disappointment of last week and concentrate on getting better. The atmosphere around the team and the club is good, and we want that to continue.

"Nothing is as important as being loved and valued - the lads love playing for this club, and we need to see that passion in every performance until the end of the season.

"If we can do that, we know that the fans in the Jodi will get behind us as they have done all year."

The Gypsies will be withoutcaptain Derek Pender whose hamstring injury sees him miss out with new signing Dan Casey likely to stay in the team at right-back having made his debut in Finn Park last week.

Warren O’Hora has recovered from illness and is in the squad in place of suspended Rob Cornwall.

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes have only managed to pick up three points from their last four games, but have already won at Dalymount Park this season.

Kenny Shiels came away victorious on the opening day of the season when his Derry side won 4-1 in February. When the sides met in Maginn Park in May, the Candystripes beat Bohs 2-0.

Shiels would have been disappointed that his side didn’t come away from Dublin last week with a point at least.

They lost 2-1 at Richmond Park to Pat’s, which was disappointing for City after they demolished Sligo Rovers the week prior in Buncrana.

"It will be tough," said Sheils to the Belfast Telegraph. "They are going well. They took Dundalk to the 90th minute and they were unfortunate (to lose).

“They were also unfortunate against Harps. Harps and Bohs are two of the strongest teams in the league at the minute with the size of their squads, so this is a very important game for us.”

The Foylesiders have Conor McDermott and Aaron Barry returning to the squad, but Harry Monaghan will miss the game through suspension.

A win will see Derry overtake both Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers into the third position, which is the final Europe League slot. A point would see them jump above Shamrock Rovers (who don’t play until Sunday away to Dundalk).

Referee: Robert Hennessy

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have failed to beat The Candystripes in their last five attempts.

Derry City only conceded two goals in those fives games and have scored 10 goals.

Both teams have only won twice in their last five games.

BETTING

Bohemians 5/2; Draw 23/10; Derry City 11/10

PREDICTION

Bohemians 0 – 1 Derry City

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Rob Cornwall

Derry City

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Harry Monaghan