League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
Referee Rob Harvey in yellow looking to calm things down as Rovers and Bohs players have a rush of blood to the head after some trouble in the Hoops penalty area Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians welcome Shamrock Rovers to Dalymount Park on Sunday morning in a highly-anticipated Dublin derby (kick-off is at 11.30am).
The Gypsies have had to reschedule the fixture to the above time amid Shamrock Rovers’ European run and the availability of Garda resources in the capital due to a Coldplay concert at Croke Park.
But Bohs boss Alan Reynold will not look to use that as an excuse as his side look to climb the table and steer themselves away from relegation trouble.
“Our league form has been disappointing and we know how good Shamrock Rovers are so it is up to us to show how good we can be,” he said.
Bohs last played Rovers at Dalymount and won 1-0 in the FAI Cup.
“The last time we played Rovers at Dalymount in the cup, the place was hopping and everyone was right behind the lads from start to finish, which helped get us over the line,” Reynolds added.
“Against a team as good as Rovers we will need that again, and I have no doubt we will as these games mean everything to everyone at the club whether you’re a fan or a player.
“I’ve no doubt our fans will have their alarm clocks set for early tomorrow to make sure they are in good voice in time for the early kick-off, and we all want to give them something to sing about.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to keep their slim league title hopes alive when they visit Bohemians.
Rovers are 12 points behind leaders Shelbourne and know they cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to win a fifth league title in a row.
And Bradley wants his side to be ready despite the early kick-off time.
“It is what it is,” he told his club’s website. “There’s no point in thinking about it. The decision was made and there was nothing we could do to affect it, so there was no point wasting our energy on it.
“It’s a case of adapting and being ready for it. What this group has learned in recent years in terms of both domestic and European football is adapting and being robust.
“So that’s what we’ll be looking to do, we won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves either way. It’s an early kick off so we’ll just get on with it and play the game.”
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
PREDICTION
Bohemians 0-2 Shamrock Rovers
Bohemians
Injured: James McManus, Jake Carroll, Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley.
Doubtful: Alex Greive, James Akintunde.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Trevor Clarke, Aaron Greene, Darragh Nugent.
Doubtful: Daniel Cleary.
Suspended: None.
