League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS 

Bohemians interim boss Derek Pender is calling on his side to rise to the occasion tonight when they host Derry City at Dalymount Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Gypsies parted ways with boss Declan Devine in the wake of last weekend’s defeat at home to Shelbourne.

Director of Football Pat Fenlon and Pender have since taken charge of first-team affairs at the club, with Pender hoping there is a response from Bohs.

“Every week in this league this year is really really tough,” he explained. “Every team is strong and I think, over the course of the season, you’ll see mad results. Everybody can beat anybody, and that’s what we have to want to do against Derry.

“The players have had a tough week but I believe we have a really good group, we are at a massive club and we’re in Dalymount with our home fans behind us.

“Hopefully our fans can give the players a little bit of lift and as coaches, we just have to try and give the players that belief we can win going into the game.

“I certainly believe we are well capable of doing that with the group that we have here. We will make one of two changes, and we know that we need everyone playing to their maximum to get a positive result.”

Keith Buckley (knee) and Rob Cornwall (knee) remain out, while Martin Miller (knee) is a doubt. James McManus (foot) is nearing a return. 

DERRY CITY

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins is aware that his side must not rely on their strong recent record at Dalymount Park. 

The Candystripes are unbeaten in their last six outings in Dublin 7.

“We’ve a decent record at Dalymount and it’s a venue we enjoy playing at,” Higgins said. 

“However unless we approach the game properly and put in a committed performance then we won’t get a favourable result.

“There’s usually always a reaction and a bit of a bounce when the team's manager as well but it’ll be up to us to deal with that.

“Cameron Dummigan will miss the game but hopefully the upcoming International break will mean he’ll not be far away after that.

“Michael Duffy, Adam O’Reilly and Will Patching have been carrying minor knocks but Patrick McEleney has again trained all week, so we’ll see where we’re at on Friday morning.

“Other than that, it’s the same panel of players that we’ve been working off recently.

“Games between the teams have usually been entertaining affairs in the past and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

PREDICTION 

Bohemians 0-2 Derry City

Bohemians

Injured: Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: Martin Miller, James McManus.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Cameron Dummigan. 

Doubtful: Adam O’Reilly, Will Patching, Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy. 

Suspended: None.