League Preview: Derry City -v- Bohemians

DERRY CITY

Declan Devine’s team are searching for their first win of the new season after a defeat at Dundalk and a draw with Finn Harps.

Their game against St Patrick’s Athletic which was due to have taken place on Monday night was called off due to a waterlogged pitch so Derry will go into this game fresher than their opponents Bohemians who only have a 4 day turnaround form their Monday night game with Sligo .

This advantage was acknowledged by Derry City manager Declan Devine when speaking to the club’s media team.  

“We were really disappointed that Monday night’s game at St Pats was called off, although on the plus side it meant more recovery time for the players”

“Keith Long is doing an excellent job at Bohs and they will be up at the business end again this season. They have recruited well and will arrive here confident; however we can only concern ourselves with ourselves.”

“I have total faith in this group of players. They have trained well again this week and I have no doubt that they will quickly benefit from playing together.”

The Candystripes will have a full squad to choose from on Friday night with no injury concerns or suspensions for Declan Devine to contend with.

BOHEMIANS

Bohs make the long trip up to the Brandywell aiming to make it three wins in a row.

Keith Long’s charges were not at their best on Monday night but it was still enough to get the victory at Dalymount over Sligo Rovers.

Kris Twardek capped off another impressive performance with a goal against his former club which sealed the 2-0 victory in the closing moments of the game.

Bohs looked like they were going to have a comfortable win when Danny Mandroiu scored after 9 minutes but Keith Long would have been concerned that Sligo stayed in the game and had periods of domination particularly in the second half.

The result has put Bohemians in 3^rd position in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division after 3 games with their opening day loss to Shamrock Rivers followed by victories over Waterford and Sligo Rovers.

Dinny Corcoran and James Talbot both missed out due to injury on Monday night and they remain doubts for Friday’s game, while James Finnerty misses out.

Referee: Derek Tomney 

MATCH STATS

The 4 league games between these two teams last season resulted in 3 draws and a win for Bohemians with 4 goals scored in total.

BETTING

5/4; Draw 2/1; Bohemians 21/10.

PREDICTI\ON

Derry City 1 - 1 Bohemians

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: James Finnerty.

Doubtful: James Talbot, Dinny Corcoran.

Suspended: None.