League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

• Seán O'Connor
• Thu, Mar 31 2022




Bohemians

Bohemians come into this game off the back of a disappointing start to the 2022 season. Since beating the FAI Cup champions St. Pat’s in February, Bohs have failed to win a game since.

Having lost ten players over the winter, including last year’s golden boot winner Georgie Kelly and charismatic midfielder Ross Tierney, Bohs are hoping new signings like Jordan Flores and Kris Twardek can get them back into Europe.

Keith Long’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Finn Harps in Ballybofey, before they lost to Shamrock Rovers a week after. Subsequent draws to newly promoted Shelbourne and UCD leave Bohs in sixth in the table, with seven points from six games.

Derry City

Derry City arrive in the capital as one of only two teams in the league who remain unbeaten so far. Ruaidhri Higgins’ side have had an excellent start to the season, with four wins and two draws in six games.

After a busy transfer window, bringing in the likes of Brian Maher, Michael Duffy and Matty Smith, the Candystripes made a huge statement of intent in February by beating champions Shamrock Rovers 2-1, courtesy of a last minute Jamie McGonigle strike.

They followed that up with a draw against Sligo Rovers, who also remain unbeaten. Derry won three on the bounce against Shelbourne, Drogheda and St Pat’s before the international break arrived, and now sit top of the league,  two points clear of Sligo Rovers.

Ruaidhri Higgins previewed the trip to Dalymount on Friday  with Derry City’s media team, and said he expects a tough match.

“Dalymount is always a difficult place to go and it will be no different this weekend” said Higgins.

“Bohs lost a few players at the end of last season but as always, they have recruited very well. They have some of the best young players in the league and there’s no doubt they will be up there competing towards the end of the season. Obviously our only concern is making sure we’re ready for the game. We’ve started well and we’ll be fully focused on keeping our own run going.”

REFEREE: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

In their four league meetings last year, Derry City won 2-1 in April, before the remaining three ended in draws.

Jamie McGonigle is Derry’s top scorer so far this season with four goals, while Bohs striker Promise Omochere has hit the net three times.

Bohs last win over Derry City came in September 2020. Late strikes from Keith Ward and Andre Wright earned three points for Keith Long’s side at Dalymount Park.

PREDICTION:

Bohemians 1 - 2 Derry City

Bohemians

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Derry City

Injured: Danny Lafferty, Michael Duffy & Ciaron Harkin.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None 

 

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