Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers
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BOHEMIANS
With just one league win in their last ten outings, Bohemians supporters have had cause to ask if their team think there is anti-climb paint on the Premier Division table, but the prospect of a derby game against Shamrock Rovers should inspire both fans and players alike at Daylymount Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Owen Heary’s side lie two points adrift of Shelbourne and Bray Wanderers, and the caretaker boss hopes the Hoops will be the scalp that can inspire them to get into gear on the road to safety.
After last week’s agonizing 95th minute defeat to Cork City, Bohs boss Heary is delighted that this is a such a big game, meaning his players won’t need any extra motivation prior to kick-off.
“The Rovers game is a good one to come at this point because we need to bounce back quickly. The lads know what is expected of them. They believe in what we are doing, and they know they are going in the right direction.”
However, the absence of key man Karl Moore through suspension and injuries to Ciaran Nangle and a doubtful Chris Lyons will make the task even more difficult even more difficult, as Heary recognizes.
“Karl has been brilliant for us in the last few matches. He’s a natural winger and you don’t get many of them these days,” said Heary. “But Andy Mulligan has that too, Keith Buckley is back, and Kevin Devaney can be a threat to the Rovers defence on the right. So we have options.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Trevor Croly’s Shamrock Rovers come into this game in improved spirits after dumping rivals and reigning league champions Sligo Rovers out of the EA Sports Cup at the semi-final stage this week.
That result followed successive league defeats at the hands of Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic, and the Hoops know they won’t have it easy against Bohs as they cope with the suspended Derek Foran and Sean O’Connor, as well as Richard Brush and Billy Dennehy through injury.
Croly is aware of the magnitude of the clash against their arch-rivals.
“Rovers and Bohs fixtures are always big games, and with both teams having plenty to play for at the moment, this is set to be no different. We had a good win on Tuesday night and are delighted to be in another cup final, and we want to build on that on Friday night by securing another win. Our players will be confident going into the game after that performance and result.”
Referee: Padraigh Sutton
MATCH FACTS
Toothless on their own turf, Bohemians have only scored eight home league goals this season – equal to homesick Shamrock Rovers’ tally on their travels.
The two previous meetings between these teams in the league this season ended in draws, goalless at Dalymount Park in March and one apiece in Tallaght in May.
Shamrock Rovers' dozen draws, including seven away from home, make them the most prolific spoils sharers in the division overall.
BETTING
Bohemians 4/1; Draw 13/5; Shamrock Rovers 4/6
PREDICTION
Away win
Bohemians
Injured: Ciaran Nangle
Doubtful: Chris Lyons
Suspended: Karl Moore
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Richard Brush, Billy Dennehy
Doubtful: Mark Quigley
Suspended: Derek Foran, Sean O’Connor
