League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Bohemians

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be looking to maintain their title charge on Friday night when they host Bohemians at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Reds are two points of second-placed Derry City at the summit but have played a game less than the Candystripes.

And they now face a Bohemians side who are scrapping at the foot of the table looking to avoid being pulled into a relegation dogfight.

Shels have already defeated Bohs at Dalymount Park this season 2-0, but lost 2-1 at home in their last showdown. 

“We know there will be an edge,” Duff told his club’s website. “I know we’ll bring that and match it but we need to bring calmness and quality to our play as well.

“We didn’t spend too much time on the games from earlier this season. They’ve changed how they build up, press and keep the ball. 

“They’ve evolved a lot since the start of the season, so we can’t take much from earlier matches. We know it’s a very different challenge to the one we’ve faced in the other games.”

Strikers Dean Williams and Sean Boyd are out for Shels through injury.

BOHEMIANS

Alan Reynolds’ Bohemians will have to start looking over their shoulder if they continue to struggle to get wins on the board.

The Gypsies have not won a league game since May and squeaked past Kerry in the FAI Cup last weekend on penalties.

But boss Reynolds has backed his side to prove their worth in the business end of the season.

“We all understand the criticism we have received and have taken it on board. We have talented players but they are hurting, so this is a test of our resolve now, and as a group we all have to dig deep,” he told his club’s website.

“What I will say is that we need to stick together as a club. We have made a lot of changes over the past couple of months but we all know that where we are right now is a long way off where we want to be. 

“I just ask our fans to stick with us. We haven’t given them a lot to cheer about over the past few weeks so there is a lot of frustration there, and we never take their support for granted.

“But in all my years in the league, one of Bohs’ greatest strengths has always been that when Bohs teams have their backs against the wall, the supporters of the club get behind them and are the extra man they need to dig out the results.

“That’s where we are now. Our backs are against the wall but I believe we have a team who will come out fighting and give everything of themselves to put things right.

“I am around long enough to take criticism on the chin but our players need support and a lift, so I ask that our fans get right behind them between now and the end of the season.”

James McManus and Jake Carroll are set to remain out for Bohs, with long-term absentees Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall still on the sidelines. 

Jordan Flores may feature.

Referee: Damien MacGraith. 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Bohemians

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean Boyd, Dean Williams.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None. 

Bohemians

Injured: James McManus, Jake Carroll, Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: Jordan Flores. 

Suspended: None.

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