Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians will be hoping to bounce back in the league after losing 2-1 to Saint Patrick’s Athletic last Friday night.
Bohs manager Aaron Callaghan believes that it is easier for his players to motivate themselves for a game against Shamrock Rovers. “I don’t change anything in relation to the training for a match like this”, he said, “but from the players’ perspective it is easier to get motivated for a game against Rovers. It might be a little harder against one of the so-called smaller teams,”
Callaghan also places enormous emphasis on his team's performance “I tend to judge our games on performance because if you can get the performance right the results will come. Against Pat's we didn’t really come out of the blocks" added the Bohs boss.
Captain Owen Heary remains a doubt with a hamstring injury. Striker Dave Scully is suspended following his red card last week and Lee Dixon (toe injury) remains sidelined. However, central defender Evan McMillan will return from suspension.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to follow up back to back victories against Shelbourne and Saint Patricks Athletic with victory at against their old rivals Dalymount Park on Friday night. Rovers have sold out of their full allocation of 800 tickets for Friday's game.
Ciaran Kilduff is still undergoing rehabilitation of his foot and will not be involved, while Sean Gannon (ankle) will also miss out.
Hoops manager Stephen Kenny is hoping for a third win in a row in league and cup. “We secured an important victory against Shels in the league last week, and backed that up by progressing to the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup against St Pat's. This is our third derby game in just over a week, and we will be looking for a third win from three."
Referee: Rob Rogers.
MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians 2-0 in the side's previous encounter in the league this season, on March 30th.
Bohemians midfielder Dave Mulcahy scored for an Airtricity League XI against Manchester United in August 2010.
Shamrock Rover's Conor McCormack joined Manchester United when he turned 16 years of age and served a two-year apprenticeship at Old Trafford before he moved to Italy to join Serie B side Triestina Calcio where he remained for two and a half years.
BETTING
Bohemians 7/2, Draw 23/10, Shamrock Rovers 4/5.
PREDICTION
Bohemians 1-2 Shamrock Rovers.
Bohemians Injury News: Lee Dixon (toe).
Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully.
Shamrock Rovers Injury News: Ciaran Kilduff (foot) and Sean Gannon (ankle).
Shamrock Rovers Suspension News: None.