League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Bohemians

Action from the Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers Cup game in August 2021

Action from the Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers Cup game in August 2021 Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Stephen Bradley’s men are twelve points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity League and require just seven points from their last six games to retain the title.

The Hoops took another step closer last Friday, with a confident 2-0 win over third placed Sligo Rovers. In the first half of the season, Liam Buckley’s side looked to be the closest threat to The Hoops in the title race. However, early exits from the FAI Cup and Europa Conference League were followed by four losses in five and have left Sligo with just a European spot to play for at this stage.

Monday’s visitors have won the last two Dublin derbies. Last August, Andy Lyons’ 86th minute strike proved to be the winner as Rovers were dumped out of the FAI Cup. Ronan Finn and Georgie Kelly were both sent off with ten minutes to go in an intense derby. The 4,000 home fans in Tallaght Stadium on Monday will be hoping for another thriller.

In their last league meeting, Bohs won 1-0 at Dalymount Park. Kelly’s second half strike secure the victory. In the opening derby of 2021, the hosts came out on top. Dylan Watts and Ross Tierney opened the scoring, before Graham Burke’s controversial late penalty won it as Bohs finished with ten men.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley spoke to the club’s media ahead of match.

“I thought we were excellent on Friday,” Bradley said.

“The players really imposed themselves on the game very early and obviously scored two really good goals in the first half and kept a clean sheet. So overall we were really happy.

“Our aim is to go and win the game. It's obviously a Dublin Derby, it's a big game and we're looking to get as many points on the board to reach our target of winning the league. So, Monday gives us another opportunity to do that, and we'll be going all out to do that.

“When the fans are like that in full voice, Tallaght can be an intimidating place for opponents to come and play.”



BOHEMIANS

Keith Long’s side are currently in fifth place and sit three points behind Derry City. A win would lift Bohemians above Derry and to within a point of third placed Sligo Rovers. Bohs are aiming for a European place with seven games remaining and can also enter the Europa Conference League by winning the FAI Cup. They host Waterford in the semi-final on Friday.

The Gypsies arrive at Tallaght Stadium off the back of a 1-1 draw against Dundalk. Sami Ben Amar’s first half strike looked to have earned the Lilywhites all three points, until Player of the Month Georgie Kelly stepped up with a last-minute penalty to rescue a point. It was Kelly’s 19th league goal this season, and the Donegal man will surely win the golden boot at this stage.

Before Friday, Bohs had only won three of their previous ten league games. Recent losses to Drogheda, Finn Harps and Waterford have hampered their European hopes, while the chasing pack have put more pressure on Keith Long's side.

Monday’s Dublin derby is live on RTE 2 from 7pm.

Referee: Neil Doyle



MATCH STATS

There have been three red cards in the previous three Dublin derbies between these sides.

Georgie Kelly is Bohemians and the league's top scorer on nineteen goals. Shamrock Rovers highest scorer is Daniel Mandroiu with ten goals.

The Hoops have won four of their last five matches, compared to one win in five for the Gypsies.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 6/10; Draw 15/5; Bohemians 4/1

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2 - 1 Bohemians

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Bohemians

Injured: James Finnerty

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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