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Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Seamus Egan
- Thu, Apr 14 2011
Following Bohemians 2-0 win at UCD last Friday night Anto Flood acknowledged to extratime.ie that this coming Friday's game against Shamrock Rovers is “the biggest derby in Ireland”. And the fact that a victory for fourth place Bohemians over league leaders Shamrock Rovers would move them above their rivals in the league table certainly adds plenty of spice to this Dublin derby. (Kick off, 7.35pm - Live on RTE 2)
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon believes that the home fans can play a very important role at Dalymount on Friday night. "Get here early and get behind the team even during the warm-up. It'll give the players a massive boost," the Bohs boss said.
"This is the first time we've had Rovers here on a Friday night for a while. Everybody is looking forward to a Friday game and the fact that the supporters will be quite close to each other should add to the atmosphere. I'd love to see our place full”, added Fenlon, who is fairly happy with his team's start to the season. However, he believes that the next few games will paint a better picture of how the league campaign is progressing. “We're pleased with the start but now that we're playing the teams above us we'll be able to judge better where we can be."
Following last week's impressive display at Belfield there is also some encouraging news for the Gypsies on the injury front. Goalkeeper Chris O'Connor made a sooner than expected return against The Students, Robert Bayly has recovered from a tight hamstring, and Lee Dixon is likely to return against on Friday night after recovering from a calf injury.
However, Bohemians are still expected to be without senior players Ollie Cahill (hamstring), Glenn Cronin (knee), Barry Murphy (groin) and Christy Fagan (hamstring).
Hoops’ manager Michael O'Neill is also in a positive mood heading into the derby following his side’s Setanta Cup win away to Sligo. “It's very positive for us to be going into this game on the back of a performance and result like Monday night's.” revealed O' Neill who also was happy to talk about Friday night's opponents and their mixture of youth and experience.
“There has been a lot written and said about how young this Bohs side is but our team is actually even younger. They also have plenty of experience in their ranks but, despite our own youth, we have plenty of experience in our side and we have players who have been through many games like this. There will be a big away support there on Friday night, with all our tickets sold-out and there should be a great atmosphere”.
One player key player who will miss out for Rovers is star striker Gary Twigg, who has not recovered from the hamstring injury that saw him hobble out of last Friday night’s defeat to Bray Wanderers. Stephen O'Donnell and Craig Sives will also miss out for the Hoops, also with hamstring injuries. Pat Flynn (virus) and Chris Turner (calf) are doubtful.
Bohemians:
Injured: Ollie Cahill (hamstring), Glenn Cronin (knee), Barry Murphy (groin), Christy Fagan (hamsrting).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: Gary Twigg (hamstring), Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring), Craig Sives (hamstring).
Doubtful: Pat Flynn (virus) Chris Turner (calf).
Suspended: None.
Paddy Power Odds: Bohemians 11/5, Draw 11/5, Shamrock Rovers, 6/5.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Bohemians 1-1 Shamrock Rovers.
About Seamus Egan
Seamus Egan has yet to write anything about themselves but click on the bio link to view all past work.