League Preview: Bohemians -v- Sligo Rovers

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to continue their fine run of recent form when they welcome fellow relegation-battlers Sligo Rovers to Dalymount Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

A lot has changed since these sides first met at the Showgrounds, when Sligo won 2-0. Bohs were in the middle of a five-game losing streak.

But the Gypsies lifted themselves six points clear of the relegation zone with a thrilling comeback win over St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park last Friday night.

“It was a very important win against St Pat’s,” Keith Long told the club's official website.

“In previous seasons, we have been slow coming back off the mid-season break so it was vital, having drawn our last home game against Drogheda, that we got something from the game.

“Our second-half performance was really good and it was in line with what we feel this group of players is capable of.

“In the first half, we weren’t at the races. Pat’s deservedly went in at half-time in front.

“Oscar Brennan set the tone for the second half by showing great desire to be first to a 50-50 ball and great composure to slot the ball home to bring us back into the game.

“We all want more nights like that – more performances like the second half. If we can produce that, it could be an exciting second half of the season.

“We must, however, guard against any sort of complacency – throughout the club. We are not good enough to be complacent against any team.”

Ismahil Akinade and Eoin Wearen remain on the injured list, while Rob Cornwall and Ian Morris are both doubts, which could mean a first league start for 18-year-old Warren O'Hora.

Lorcan Fitzgerald returns after missing the Pats game through suspensions but Dylan Hayes serves another game following his red card against Limerick.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers remain parlously-placed just one place above the relegation zone on goal diifference from Drogheda United following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Galway United.

The Bit o' Red have now drawn four of their last five games but it's wins that Gerard Lyttle needs if his side are to put some breathing room between themselves and the drop zone.

Sligo took the lead in the meeting with Galway at the Showgrounds through Jonah Ayunga's fourth of the season but were soon pegged back by former Sligo man Stephen Folan.

Raff Cretaro felt he should have put the Bit o' Red back in front later in the half with an emphatic finish but he was called back for offside, which replays showed to be the wrong decision.

"These are the games that matter most. We said that prior to Galway and Finn Harps and came away disappointed on both games with draws.

“We were solid against teams that were physically challenging but in terms of creating chances it was not good enough.

"We are playing false football. There is caution in our play and it's not a matter that we need to go gung-ho. But I want the players to be more positive and show ambition.

“There are small margins like the incorrect disallowed goal but we need to create more goal scoring opportunities.

"Bohs have done well away from home in particular and at home it hasn't been quite as good.

“We want to try to continue that because once we get the win I think it will make a huge difference."

Lyttle has a full deck to choose from as Chris Kenny returns from suspension and Danny Kearns has regained full fitness.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once so far this season, with goals from Jonah Ayunga and Mick Leahy in each half helping the Bit o' Red to a 2-0 win at the Showgrounds.

The sides met three times last season with home advantage proving the key on all three occasions. Bohs won 1-0 and 3-2 at Dalymount Park while Sligo won 1-0 at the Showgrounds in May.

BETTING

Bohemians 5/4; Draw 12/5; Sligo Rovers 21/10.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Bohemians

Injured: Ismahil Akinade (illness), Eoin Wearen (knee).

Doubtful: Rob Cornwall (hip), Ian Morris (knee).

Suspended: Dylan Hayes.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.