League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians welcome Shamrock Rovers and the Virgin Media TV cameras to Dalymount Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Gypsies have enjoyed a scintillating start to the season and have won six of their first seven league games this term.

But they face arguably the toughest test yet as they welcome Rovers to Dublin 7 for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” boss Declan Devine said. “The games are coming thick and fast but you always look at the calendar for when Rovers go to Dalymount.

“The players are coming into the game in great form so it is one of those games that we are really itching for.

“It’s a sold-out game and we just want to make sure that we perform.”

Also speaking to Virgin Media, Bohs captain Keith Buckley added: “It’s another game and you don’t get any extra points for winning it.

“Rovers performances haven’t reflected their results because they have played well. We won’t take this lightly.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

After picking up their first win of the season last week against Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers enter this Dublin derby with a point to prove.

The Hoops could end up trailing Bohs by 13 points in the league table if they fall to defeat at Dalymount Park on Friday night.

But they are keen to make their mark against Devine’s men who have enjoyed a stunning start to the year.  

“They've had a great start, six wins out of seven and they'll be delighted with that,” Hoops chief Stephen Bradley said. “They've been doing well.

“We know that it being a Dublin derby, us against Bohs and since they've started really well that it's going to be a difficult game. But I believe it's one that we're ready for.

“We need to go and perform like we have been and we need to focus. Games like this can be decided on the small details and small margins.

“We need to do everything possible to make sure that we come out on the right side of them.

“In the last few years, form has usually gone out the window in these games so we'll go and try to perform as best we can.”

Liam Burt is Shamrock Rovers’ only certain absentee for the game.

Referee: Rob Harvey

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1 - 2 Shamrock Rovers

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Liam Burt.

Doubtful: Trevor Clarke.

Suspended: None.