Derry City -v- Bohemians

DERRY CITY

Declan Devine will be looking to halt Derry City's woeful recent home record when his side take on Bohemians at the Brandywell on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Candystripes' last eight league fixtures at home have included six losses and a draw, form that has put them well away from challenging for honours. They will however be buoyed by the fact that their lengthy injury list seems to be shortening on a weekly basis.

Long term victim Stewart Greacen is expected to take his place, for the first time in two months, at the heart of defence and Mark Farren is fully fit again. Rory Patterson is also in the running after a hamstring problem and captain Kevin Deery is training again although this match may come too soon.

Patrick McEleney, who picked up a serious knock against Shamrock Rovers, is also making good progress and is expected to feature.

Devine will also take heart from the fact that they have already beaten Bohemians in both fixtures they have played this season.

"There are still 30 odd points to play for and we've got to be looking at winning as many of those points as we can" he said.

"We'll be fighting for every point."

Greacen added: "There have been a lot of positives in the performances in the last couple of games against Sligo and Shamrock Rovers where we were more competitive and based on that we should be in a position to start winning games and build from there. We're coming into the last third of the season now and we really need to put a run together."

Derry will be looking towards their experienced trio of Greacen, Molloy and Morrison to lead the way as they seek to get their season back on track.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be looking to bounce back from last week's defeat at Drogheda when they make the threat north.

They will be without Kevin Feely, who has picked up a knee injury, and Dave Scully and Karl Moore, who are both suspended.

Although they have lost their last two league games against Derry, manager Aaron Callaghan has seen enough in recent performances to encourage him as they seek to garner an away win.  

“They have had a lot of injuries to really key players. They have been missing strong, experienced players through the middle of the team and they haven’t had the continuity they needed,” he said. 

“But they’re always a strong side, and always a difficult side to play against in the Brandywell. They have beaten us twice this season but on both occasions they were close matches. Recalling the last time the two sides met. I thought they were slightly the better team in the first half. In the second half we bossed the game, though they had a couple of breaks.

“Anyone I have spoken to could not believe that we didn’t get a penalty when the player raised his hand like that in the box and the ball was heading for the goal. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get the decision. But I focus on the performance and that was a brilliant second-half performance.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS
Derry City have won both league matches against Bohemians played this season.

Ruaidhri Higgins will be the only player on show who has represented both clubs.

Bohemians lead Derry City in the table by three points though the Candystripes have a game in hand.

BETTING
Derry City 10/11, Draw 23/10, Bohemians 3/1.

PREDICTION
Derry City 2-1 Bohemians

Derry City Injury News: Kevin Deery (knee).

Derry City Suspension News: None.

Bohemians Injury News: Kevin Feely (knee).

Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully, Karl Moore.