EA Sports Cup Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Bohemians

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers come into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 league win over Sligo Rovers but so far in 2017 the Hoops have failed to win back-to-back games with defeat following victory on three occasions so for this season.

Talking to shamrockrovers.ie, Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley was pleased with the display against Sligo and felt his side were worth more goals but was happy to take the three points along with a clean sheet.

"I thought we were excellent, I thought our performance warranted maybe two or three more goals, especially in the second half we upped the tempo and played at our level, and when we do that here we're very hard to play against and I think you saw that in the second half. I would have liked two or three more goals to make it more comfortable at the end but their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We haven't been keeping clean sheets so we had a good chat about it as a team and I thought we worked really hard to achieve that." 

Shamrock Rovers rivalry with Bohemians is well documented and Bradley sees this game as a perfect opportunity for his side to build their momentum.

"It's a great draw, we're looking forward to it. It's a game you want after the result we had on Friday, you want another big game for the lads and that's exactly what we have. Obviously being Bohs it adds something to the game, which is great because it puts you on edge and I think the players play better when they're on that edge.”

On the injury front, Rovers will assess a number of players before the game. One or two players suffered knocks against Sligo Rovers but Bradley has stated if everyone is fit for the game, he will play a strong side. 

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians currently lie eighth in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division table with three wins from nine games. On Friday, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cork City in Dalymount Park which was preceded by a 2-0 loss to Sligo Rovers with their last victory coming via the EA Sports Cup win over Cabinteely on the 4^th April.

In that game Bohemians made a number of changes from their league starting XI and Keith Long has stated they will be repeating that for the Rovers clash.

“We got to make changes. Yes, of course it’s against Rovers in Tallaght and it’s a derby but, I’m sure they’ll make changes. We’ll have to look at it and see what we do come Monday.” 

On the injury front, Dinny Corcoran will not be available for the Monday game with Long hopeful the striker will return for Bohs next league game against Dundalk. Jamie Doyle is similarly ruled out of the Rovers clash.  

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers have won the League Cup twice – a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers in 1976/77 and a more recent 2-0 win over Drogheda United in 2013.

Bohemians have been marginally more successful with three wins – a 3-2 win over two legs against Finn Harps in 1974/75, a 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in 1978/79 and a 3-1 victory over Waterford United in 2009.

In the last five years, Shamrock Rovers have been finalists three times, the last being in 2014. Bohemians’ last final was the 2009 win over the Blues.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 2/5; Draw 10/3; Bohemians 13/2

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers to win – 2-1

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Bohemians

Injured: Dinny Corcoran, Jamie Doyle, Ismahil Akinade 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None