Bohemians vs Shamrock Rovers

Top of the table Bohemians will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the eircom Premier League to four points when they take on bitter Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park on Tuesday night (kick-off 8pm).

Seventeen points and five places may separate them in the league, but when these two sides come together all that goes out window. Bohemians go into the game on the back of a hugely impressive run in the league. Friday night’s win over Cobh Ramblers was the Gypsies’ 17th consecutive game without defeat, while goalkeeper Brian Murphy kept his seventh clean sheet in a row.

Despite experiencing a dismal run of results during the months of April and May, Rovers have picked up in recent weeks and their win over Derry City in the Brandywell on Friday night extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

Bohs manager Pat Fenlon faces something of a selection headache going to the game with three of his recognised centre backs out injured. Jason McGuinness was the latest name added to the list after he suffered a knee injury just before half time in the game with Cobh. Ken Oman and Liam Burns also remain sidelined, meaning that Fenlon may have to shuffle his pack.

“We are down to the bare bones, but it's up to the players on the park to put in a good performance regardless. The loss of all three of our centre halves is a major setback, but our squad is strong and we will put out a competitive side no matter who fills in at that position. Thomas Heary has been excellent since he returned from injury and he has proven that he can do a good job in the centre of defence. Owen Heary is also versatile across the back line and I will consider switching him to the middle,” said Fenlon.

“Overall, these kinds of things happen in football, and we just have to carry on and make the best of the situation. We were in a similar position in Derry when Jason McGuinness was sent off and the team worked that bit harder to ensure we got a result. I will be asking them to do the same again.”

Fenlon’s options in attack are far healthier with Glen Crowe, who specialises in scoring against Rovers, returning from suspension. Fenlon must decide whether to bring him back in or whether to stick with Jason Byrne who grabbed the final goal in Bohs’ 3-0 win over Cobh. In midfield, Glenn Cronin is still a few weeks away from a return.

Fenlon’s opposite number, Pat Scully, has injury problems of his own. Captain Aidan Price is definitely out after injuring his ankle in the win over Derry, Danny O'Connor (calf), Darragh Maguire (thigh), Tadhg Purcell (ankle), Corey Treacy (hip) and Joseph Ndo (knee) are all doubtful.

Nevertheless, Scully remains in upbeat mood. “They've a very experienced team, with players who have played in England and at the top of the League of Ireland for years. It's a real one-off whenever Rovers play Bohs and form rarely plays a part. It's going to be a battle in Dalymount, so we'll have to stand up and make sure we win that battle,” he said.

This game was originally scheduled for the end of June but had to be postponed due to Bohs involvement in the Inter-Toto Cup. The first meeting between these two sides this season resulted in a narrow one nil victory to Bohs, with Crowe grabbing the only goal.

The game will be broadcast live on Setanta Sports Ireland.