League Preview: Bohemians -v- Sligo Rovers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sun, Feb 23 2020




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be looking to build on their Friday evening win over Waterford when they host Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park on Monday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Gypsies earned a hard-fought win under treacherous conditions on Friday at the RSC – with an own-goal from Sam Bone helping them on their way to three points.

It has been an indifferent start to the season for Bohs, with a win and defeat thus far on their opening two league outings.

An opening day defeat against bitter Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers has been followed by a victory on their last league outing.

The Gypsies are expected to be without James Talbot on Monday evening after he was ruled out of Friday’s win in Waterford with a foot injury – with former Cabinteely star Stephen McGuinness expected to step in again.

Meanwhile, doubts will also remain over the fitness of Dinny Corcoran after he went off in the warm-up prior to the defeat against the Hoops on the opening day.

However, the hosts will be buoyed by the news that full-back Andy Lyons is expected to make his return to the fold after missing out with suspension.

SLIGO ROVERS

After suffering defeat on their opening home league game of the season, Sligo Rovers will be hoping to earn their first set of points this season on Monday evening against Keith Long’s charges.

“We huffed and puffed on Friday night and the end result was we weren’t good enough at all,” manager Liam Buckley told his club’s media team. "We didn’t do enough in the game to get anything from it.

“We didn’t look comfortable overall so that has to be looked at. There’s lots of ability in the group and we’re not seeing it yet and that is the frustrating part.

“We were in on Saturday and Sunday as usual, there’s no sympathy in this game and we have to improve.

“We will try to get it better immediately. We have to get ourselves up and running as soon as possible and we’re looking at the overall picture now and assessing our approach.  

“Alex has come in and if we can get clearance for him on Monday morning that is another option.

“But regardless we have players within the group to be drastically better. I know what the players here can produce, I see it in training, and we’ve got to start producing it.

“It’s a hard game going to Bohemians, you can see how tight games are in this league already and we’ve got to be ready for it on Monday.”

The Bit O’Red will continue to be without the injured quartet of John Mahon, Regan Donelon, Danny Kane and Lewis Banks.

However, Alex Cooper that will take his place in the squad after his international clearance process cleared with no hiccups.   

Referee: Ben Connolly.

 

MATCH STATS

On the Bit O’Red’s last visit to Dalymount Park, they fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Bit O’Red – with recently retired Derek Pender netting the winner from the penalty spot.

Sligo Rovers have won on two of their previous three visits to Dalymount – with their last win in May 2019.

Bohemians earned a victory on their last league outing against Waterford, with both Daniel Mandroiu scoring from the spot after Sam Bone’s own-goal gave the Gypsies an early lead.   

BETTING

Bohemians 1/3; Draw 3/1; Sligo Rovers 17/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 - 1 Sligo Rovers

 

 

Bohemians

Injured: James Talbot.

Doubtful: Dinny Corcoran.

Suspended: None.

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Lewis Banks, Danny Kane, John Mahon, Regan Donelon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.