Shamrock Rovers -v- Bohemians
Credit:
Top of the table Shamrock Rovers host bitter rivals Bohemians in the second installment of the derby this season. These two sides played out a cracking 1-1 draw at Dalymount Park in April, and based on recent results, we can expect this one to be just as tight, and just as dramatic (kick-off 8.05).
No doubt the hosts will go into this one as favourites and while Rovers are by no means running away with this league, as many people suggested they would, they have been the most consistent team and rightly sit top of the pile.
However, the men from Tallaght were rocked last week, going down 1-0 to Bray Wanderers, and will no doubt be keen to bounce back - victory over their oldest rivals would certainly see to that.
But despite Pat Devlin’s side getting the better of them for the second time this season, Rovers have looked very impressive of late. Before last Thursday’s loss, they were unbeaten in the league since the start of April, notching up seven wins in that time. They also boast the best goal difference alongside Derry.
With the exception of influential midfielder Stephen Rice, the Hoops manager Michael O’ Neill has a full squad to choose from. O’ Neill knows how important this could be for his side: “Aside from Rice, we have a full squad to choose from. So we will be looking at what selection will most suit the game, and who I feel is right to face Bohemians.”
In contrast to Shamrock Rovers, Bohs’ form is best described as inconsistent. Last Thursday’s victory over UCD continued the Phibsborough club’s process of alternating between wins and losses. Bohs have won three and lost two of their last five games.
What is most surprising about Bohs this season is the fact that they have been far superior away from home than at Dalymount. Indeed it is their away form which has been largely responsible for their climb to joint third spot in the league. They have only won two of their eight home games but have come away with all three points on the road on five occasions and remain unbeaten on their travels.
Some may point to the younger players in the squad being overawed at Dalymount as the reason behind the club’s poor home form. However, manager Pat Fenlon has full confidence in his rising stars and indicated they would be involved again on Monday night.
He said: “We’re going to have seven or eight teenagers getting a taste of a real Dublin derby between ourselves and Rovers and with a big crowd. It’s something that will help them over the season and in their careers.”
On the injury front, midfielder Mark Rossiter and seasoned defender Ollie Cahill remain sidelined with hamstring complaints. Chris Fagan, who was injured when these sides drew in mid-April, got through 60 minutes against UCD without any ill effects and should start again on Monday night.
Clashes between Shamrock Rovers are always high intensity, full-blooded affairs and Monday night should be no different. The hosts will be keen to bounce back from that surprise defeat to Bray last time out but without influential midfielder Stephen Rice, may be a little light in the middle. Bohs will be full of confidence and with Chris Fagan back in the side and scoring goals, the Phisborough side are sure to make life difficult for the champions.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Stephen Rice
Bohemians
Injured: Mark Rossiter and Ollie Cahill (both hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers 8/11 Draw 9/4 Bohemians 4/1
ExtraTime.ie Prediction: A 1-1 draw
No doubt the hosts will go into this one as favourites and while Rovers are by no means running away with this league, as many people suggested they would, they have been the most consistent team and rightly sit top of the pile.
However, the men from Tallaght were rocked last week, going down 1-0 to Bray Wanderers, and will no doubt be keen to bounce back - victory over their oldest rivals would certainly see to that.
But despite Pat Devlin’s side getting the better of them for the second time this season, Rovers have looked very impressive of late. Before last Thursday’s loss, they were unbeaten in the league since the start of April, notching up seven wins in that time. They also boast the best goal difference alongside Derry.
With the exception of influential midfielder Stephen Rice, the Hoops manager Michael O’ Neill has a full squad to choose from. O’ Neill knows how important this could be for his side: “Aside from Rice, we have a full squad to choose from. So we will be looking at what selection will most suit the game, and who I feel is right to face Bohemians.”
In contrast to Shamrock Rovers, Bohs’ form is best described as inconsistent. Last Thursday’s victory over UCD continued the Phibsborough club’s process of alternating between wins and losses. Bohs have won three and lost two of their last five games.
What is most surprising about Bohs this season is the fact that they have been far superior away from home than at Dalymount. Indeed it is their away form which has been largely responsible for their climb to joint third spot in the league. They have only won two of their eight home games but have come away with all three points on the road on five occasions and remain unbeaten on their travels.
Some may point to the younger players in the squad being overawed at Dalymount as the reason behind the club’s poor home form. However, manager Pat Fenlon has full confidence in his rising stars and indicated they would be involved again on Monday night.
He said: “We’re going to have seven or eight teenagers getting a taste of a real Dublin derby between ourselves and Rovers and with a big crowd. It’s something that will help them over the season and in their careers.”
On the injury front, midfielder Mark Rossiter and seasoned defender Ollie Cahill remain sidelined with hamstring complaints. Chris Fagan, who was injured when these sides drew in mid-April, got through 60 minutes against UCD without any ill effects and should start again on Monday night.
Clashes between Shamrock Rovers are always high intensity, full-blooded affairs and Monday night should be no different. The hosts will be keen to bounce back from that surprise defeat to Bray last time out but without influential midfielder Stephen Rice, may be a little light in the middle. Bohs will be full of confidence and with Chris Fagan back in the side and scoring goals, the Phisborough side are sure to make life difficult for the champions.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Stephen Rice
Bohemians
Injured: Mark Rossiter and Ollie Cahill (both hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers 8/11 Draw 9/4 Bohemians 4/1
ExtraTime.ie Prediction: A 1-1 draw
About Sam Griffin
Sam joined Extratime for the 2011 season and is now the site's features editor. He is based in Dublin and covers all the clubs in the capital. He is also prone to the odd Drogheda … View Full Profile