Derry City -v- Bohemians

DERRY CITY

Derry City embark on this year's Airtricity Premier League season with high hopes as they take on a new look Bohemians team at the Brandywell on Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm. The off season has been a transitional one for the Candystripes with Declan Devine taking over the managerial reigns from the departed Stephen Kenny. With the departure of some key players, Devine has brought in some quality to replace them and he is under no illusion of the difficulties the opening game will present his team with.

"I've never been involved in an easy game against Bohemians. Their results against Portadown at home and away were impressive and if we had recorded those wins we'd have been delighted. The players have prepared well for this game but will have to be on top of their game to get a win. The first game of the season is always a big one for every team and is one nobody wants to lose and we know we are playing a Bohemians side who are playing with a lot of confidence"

Derry will go into the game with an impressive pre season behind them and new boys Rory Patterson, Brian McGrory, Dermott McCaffrey and Simon Madden will all be hoping to start the game. Kevin Deery and Mark Farren are however still nursing injuries and are not expected to make the panel.

BOHEMIANS

New Bohemians manager Aaron Callaghan oversees a new look Gypsies side play their first league match of the season and it could hardly be a more difficult ask than facing Derry City at the Brandywell and says his players are really looking forward to the beginning of the campaign.

He is very upbeat about the squad and said, "We have to play Derry at some stage and they will not be relishing playing us."

He is hopeful that the bigger pitch and playing surface at the Brandywell will suit his sides passing style as oppose to the pitch encountered in Portadown. Callaghan has received several reports on Derry's pre-season games and said "Derry have been going well, winning their Setanta Cup tie 7-0 and have some continuity in the squad albeit with a new manager".

Owen Heary will again be a key man for Bohs although new signing Dave Mulcahy is ruled out with a groin injury. New signings Derek Pender, Danny Corcoran and Keith Buckley will also give Bohs a solid platform to work on.

Referee  Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians take Derry City's European place this year after the Brandywell clubs' appeal to play was rejected by UEFA.

Aaron Callaghan takes the reins for Bohs after four years out of management.

Eddie McCallion begins his fourteenth season as a Candystripe.

BETTING

Derry City 8/15;  Draw 13/5;  Bohemians 11/2.

PREDICTION

3-1. With home advantage and a large crowd expected, Derry should have too much for a new look Bohs team.

Derry City Injury News: Kevin Deery (calf), Mark Farren (leg).

Derry City Suspensions: None.

Bohemians Injury News: Dave Mulcahy (groin).

Bohemians Suspensions: None.

Live Updates Link: http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17846/1/