League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, May 25 2018




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians welcome Shamrock Rovers to Dalymount Park for the most anticipated derby of the season looking to make it three wins from three over the Hoops (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Gypsies' two-game winning streak came to an end last Friday when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Dundalk, Seán Hoare's late goal settling a tight game.

Successive wins over Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers had lifted Bohs clear of their fellow rivals for the relegation spots but they still sit just three points off the play-off spot.

However there's no need for additional when the Phisborough club play host to their fiercest local rivals in front of what's sure to be a full house.

“I watched Rovers against St Pat’s on Wednesday,” Bohemians manager Keith Long told the club's website.

“They looked very strong and have some good players on form. Previous games and results between us don’t matter tomorrow.

“They’ve shown they are capable of getting result against anyone in the league so we have to be at our very best.

“Our attitude, our discipline and our desire has got to be right. If it is, we have a good chance.”

A major boost for Bohs will be the return of captain Derek Pender after two months out with a calf injury – he'll provide much-needed experience in a young side.

Colin McCabe, Darragh Leahy, Cristian Magerusan, Ryan Swan and Karl Moore all remain on the treatment table.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers arrive in north Dublin with revenge on their minds having lost their last three games to their derby rivals, including two league meetings this season.

Stephen Bradley's side have been on a wretched run of form, winning just once in nine games going into Tuesday's meeting with St Patrick's Athletic.

The Hoops did manage to give themselves something to cheer about in Tallaght, however, putting the Saints to the sword with a 3-0 win.

Lee Grace, Ronan Finn and Sam Bone got the goals as Rovers made their dominance in general play count on the scoreboard.

“We've been playing well, we just haven't been scoring,” Stephen Bradley told extratime.ie following the win over Pats.

“It was nice to go and put a finishing touch to a good performance. Like we were in Sligo, like we were in the second half in Waterford, we just couldn't get that winner.

“We knew we weren't a million miles off scoring because we've been creating chances, so it's pleasing for the lads to go and finish those chances off.”

On Bohs, he added: “They've turned us over twice this year and we need to try and put that right. It's going to be a really tough game.

Kevin Horgan and Sean Boyd remain out injured, while Brandon Miele misses out after tweaking a hamstring on Tuesday night.

 

Referee: TBC

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season, with Bohemians coming from behind to win on both occasions.

Ronan Finn put Rovers in the lead on the opening day at Dalymount Park only for two goals from Dan Casey and another from Paddy Kavanagh to earn Bohs a 3-1 win.

Dan Carr gave the Hoops the lead in April, but Dan Byrne equalised before Darragh Leahy struck deep into injury to once again send the Bohs faithful wild.

 

BETTING

Bohemians 11/5; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 6/5.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1 – 2 Shamrock Rovers

 

Bohemians

Injured: Colin McCabe (shoulder), Darragh Leahy (knee), Karl Moore (ankle), Cristian Magerusan (metatarsal), Ryan Swan (cruciate).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Sean Boyd, Kevin Horgan, Brandon Miele.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.