League Preview: Derry City -v- Bohemians

DERRY CITY

Fortress Brandywell? It certainly feels like it after Derry City made it four wins from four upon their return to the redeveloped Brandywell on Friday night.

Waterford were the victims on this occasion as a dominant second half showing saw Kenny Shiels’ men claim a 1-0 victory.

Now they welcome Bohemians to Derry as they look to make it five out of five (kick-off 7.45pm).

Speaking to the club website ahead of the game, Derry City boss Kenny Shiels praised the efforts of his young squad during a hectic schedule of games.

“We knew it would be difficult but these lads are leaving nothing behind and you can see how our supporters are responding to that."

"The tough matches keep on coming and it's no different tomorrow night."

"Bohemians are in a false position in the table. They beat Shamrock Rovers on their own patch; the second time they've beaten them this season.

“We lost 6-1 in Tallaght so that shows you what we're up against.”

Conor McDermott has been a mainstay since breaking into the senior squad in 2016 but he will be absent on Monday night after picking up a groin strain.

Nathan Boyle also looks likely to remain on the sideline while Darren Cole returned to action on Friday night playing the last 30 minutes of the game.

Huge crowds have turned out to support the Candystripes in recent weeks and Shiels urged supporters to keep turning out as it gives his squad an extra boost.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will travel north to the Brandywell still buzzing from Friday night’s derby win away at bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers.

Darragh Leahy’s winner in the ninth minute of injury time sent the Gypsies into delirium and they will hope this can kick start their season.

Speaking to the club website after the derby win, Bohs boss Keith Long’s attention immediately turned to the Derry clash.

"It's important for us to climb the table, so we can't afford to get carried away by one result.

"It was an excellent performance. The challenge now is to try and reproduce that every week.

"It's a quick turnaround playing on Friday and travelling up to Derry - especially given the intensity of a derby - so obviously we will have to freshen things up.

" Derry have had to come down to Dalymount on a Tuesday already this season too for the corresponding fixture, so it's the same for every team the way fixtures have been scheduled this year.

"They're flying back at the Brandywell and have had vocal support behind them for every game.

"Our record against them in recent seasons has been poor, so we have to be at our very best to try and rectify that.

"It's a good pitch to play on and we'll be looking forward to the challenge."

Dan Casey looks set to return to the squad after suffering from concussion while Dan Byrne who hobbled off on Friday night with cramp is okay to play.

Referee: Robert Rogers

MATCH STATS

Derry City won all three of last year’s league meetings, scoring 7 goals and only conceding 1.

The Candystripes also won the first league meeting this season, claiming a 1-0 win in Dalymount with Gerard Doherty saving a penalty.

Since returning to the redeveloped Brandywell, Derry have won all four games, scoring 13 goals and only conceding two.

Bohs will come into the game in good form after beating bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers with a 99^th-minute winner in Tallaght on Friday night.

Since Kenny Shiels took charge of Derry City in 2016, the Candystripes have won all eight games against the Gypsies.

BETTING

Derry City 4/5; Bohemians 10/3; Draw 11/5

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Bohemians  

Derry City

Injured: Conor McDermott, Nathan Boyle

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender, Oscar Brennan, Cristian Magerusan, Ryan Swan

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None