Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, May 28 2010


One of the biggest games in the Airtricity League calendar kicks off at lunchtime on Saturday as Bohemians host Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park in a game that could potentially ignite the title hopes of either side. (Kick off 1pm, live on Setanta Ireland)

Shamrock Rovers won the first encounter between these two teams back in early April when a Billy Dennehy goal was enough to settle the contest and set Rovers on a run that has since seen them lose only one league game. For Bohemians that opening derby was the first of three consecutive defeats, and a run of five league games in which they would earn only four points.

Back in the here and now, Rovers greater consistency has them in second place in the Airtricity Premier Division table, just two points behind leaders Dundalk. They stand five points clear of Bohemians and the perception is that it is Rovers who are on more of a roll while Bohs are still battling some unseen inhibitions.

But both sides have identical records over the last five league games. Each have won three, drawn one and lost one and it is significant that Bohemians also have two games in hand, both of which will be against bottom side Bray Wanderers.

Statistics aside, neither side have yet shown the kind of authority that earmarks potential champions but this is just this kind of high octane occasion that can release a team from it’s psychological speed- bumps. There is an ominous atmosphere surrounding this Bohemians side and a feeling that sooner or later they will cut loose, but when?

Bohemians’ boss, Pat Fenlon, has injury doubts over Anto Murphy and Aaron Greene while both Raffaele Cretaro and Gareth McGlynn are suspended. But he is mindful of the positive influence of both the club’s Setanta Cup victory and the value of their home support; “We have already collected one trophy before everyone else and we’re still in the race for the league title. Rovers will also have a big support so hopefully our support will be there”.

Pat Sullivan remains out of the Rovers squad through injury. But otherwise, Hoops boss, Michael O’Neill has a full squad to choose from. The news about Sullivan is not good however. “Pat is going to require surgery on his cruciate ligament. So it is unlikely that he will be involved for the rest of the season.”

O’Neill knows that it will be a tough game but is confident of picking up a result.
“These games take care of themselves really. We are under no illusions about how difficult it is to go to Dalymount and get a win. But we are strong away from home, and will be going there confident that we can get the win and the three points.

“But that’s all it is, another three points, even if it being a derby does give it some extra spice. We also want to do it for the supporters too; we know how much it means to them.”

Can Bohemians rediscover their winning mentality in the white heat of derby day? Or will Shamrock Rovers step up to the derby plate once again and further exacerbate their arch rivals difficulties?

Venue: Dalymount Park
Referee: D McKeon
paddypower.com odds: Bohemians 11/10 Draw 21/10 Shamrock Rovers 5/2

Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Anto Murphy, Aaron Greene.
Suspended: Raffaele Cretaro, Gareth McGlynn.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Pat Sullivan
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None.

Extratime prediction: A home win - 3-2.