League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City
Keith Long's side have set a high bench mark for themselves after impressing in recent campaigns. Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians will be looking for their first home win of the season when they welcome Derry City to Dalymount Park on Friday night (KO: 7.45pm).
Bohemians are coming into the game after back-to-back defeats to Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers in the space of a week.
James Finnerty is suspended after his controversial dismissal in Tallaght last Friday, while Bastien Héry (ankle) and Stephen Mallon (metatarsal) remain sidelined.
Long on facing Derry: “Ruaidhrí (Higgins) got his reign as Derry boss off to the best possible start with an away win at Sligo and his team will come to Dalymount with great confidence and belief.”
DERRY CITY
Derry City travel to Dalymount Park on Friday night hoping to make it back-to-back wins under new manager, and former Bohs midfielder, Ruaidhrí Higgins.
The Candystripes can overtake their opponents if they can claim all three points.
Having parted company with Declan Devine, the Candystripes got their ‘new manager bounce’ with a surprise 1-0 away win away to high-flying Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds last Saturday.
Higgins is expecting a tougher task than Bohs’ points tally suggests: “I watched their game against Shamrock Rovers last week and they played some quality football. They are dangerous all over the park and have great options in attack, but we have to go there and try to win the match.”
Ciaran Coll is a doubt after coming off injured against Sligo. Darren Cole is sidelined with a back problem too.
Referee: tbc
BETTING
Bohemians 19/20; Draw 23/10; Derry City 13/5.
PREDICTION
2-1
Bohemians
Injured: Bastien Héry, Stephen Mallon
Doubtful: None
Suspended: James Finnerty
Derry City
Injured: Darren Cole
Doubtful: Ciaran Coll
Suspended: None
