League Preview: Bohemians -v- Waterford

BOHEMIANS

With first and third in action at Oriel Park, Bohemians will be looking to close the gap on first position when they host Waterford at Dalymount Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Bohs come into the game against Alan Reynolds’ side buoyed following their most recent Dublin Derby win over Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday evening.

Dinny Corcoran’s rebound from his missed spot-kick was enough to secure all three points for a side who have confounded almost all of their pre-season critics.

Speaking ahead of the game with the Irish Mirror, Bohs shot-stopper James Talbot admitted the disrespect shown to the Gypsies fuelled the fire for Keith Long’s men to prove their doubters wrong.

“There were people saying that we’d be getting relegated, that we weren’t good enough and would struggle," the keeper said.

"That hurt a few of us. It was a bit disrespectful, if I'm being honest. We have our pride; we know how good we are, and people are beginning to now realise that too.

“It’s not a big shock to us to see what we're doing. Maybe it is for other people, but we're doing what we expected to on the pitch. We’re taking it all in our stride.”

Christian Magerusan is the only absentee for Keith Long’s side.

WATERFORD

Waterford will be looking to replicate, if not better, their most recent result at Dalymount Park on Friday evening in front of what is set to be a packed-out ground.

The Blues come into the game fresh off the back of a morale-boosting draw against Derry City thanks to a Shane Duggan penalty at the death versus the Candystripes.

Speaking ahead of the clash at Dalymount Park, Waterford boss Alan Reynolds said his side were pleased with the result at the RSC on Monday afternoon.

“I think we’ve got to be happy with the point [versus Derry City],” he told the club’s media team.

“It was a rollercoaster of a game at the end so to get the equalising goal with the penalty was great. We needed that because it’s been a crazy few days.

“I thought from our second half performance, we deserved to get something from the game. It was tough going on both sets of players the way the weather was, especially after both teams having tough games on Friday.”

The former Shelbourne player added; “We’ve had a busy few weeks, but we have to go again this Friday and Monday.

“We saw Bohs won earlier in the week against Shamrock Rovers, so they’ll be full of confidence, but we’ve done well in the last few games against Sligo, Cork and Derry so our lads are confident, too.

“We’ve still a few lads with some knocks but others are ready to step in and we’ll go there to play and show what we’re about.”

Karolis Chvedukas, Kevin Lynch, Dean Walsh and Kenny Browne all miss out while Bastien Hery is also a doubt.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

The sides most recent clash at Dalymount Park saw a much-changed Bohemians fall to a 3-1 defeat to their south-east opponents.

Bohemians have the best defensive record in the Premier Division and are also yet to concede a goal from play so far.

Waterford have the best disciplinary record in the division so far this season. Only they, UCD and Dundalk have not had a player dismissed so far this term.

BETTING

Bohemians 8/11; Draw 5/2; Waterford 7/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 – 0 Waterford

Bohemians

Injured: Christian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Kenny Browne, Dean Walsh, Kevin Lynch, Karolis Chvedukas.

Doubtful: Bastien Hery.

Suspended: None.