Preview: Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians

Shamrock Rovers host Bohemians on Friday night in what is arguably the leagues biggest derby. The season is but four games old however both sides have shown enough to suggest that they can challenge for the big honours this season.

Rovers manager Pat Scully insists he expects his side to be challengers for the title. If his players can continue to work hard and maintain their self belief then they may well be involved in the final shake up as the league season draws to a close. Pat Fenlon regularly complains about the size of his squad and that it doesnt match up with the leagues other big spenders but the cold hard facts of the matter are that his budget is of such a size, that Bohs at a minimum should be improving on last seasons league finish and be seriously imposing themselves upon the title race.

Both sides got their seasons off to a winning start. Bohs defeated Galway by a single Neale Fenn goal at Terryland. Galway thought they deserved something from the game but found that breaking down Bohs defence was not an easy task - especially when Fenlons men held the lead. The following day at United Park Rovers got an early goal from ex Bohs player Stephen Rice and went on to collect three points.

Week two saw St Pats visit Dalymount and collect maximum points courtesy of a Keith Fahey wonder-goal. There wasnt much between they sides that day but Bohs looked uncomfortable chasing the game. Down the road at Tolka, Rovers went a goal down to Cork but quickly got back on level terms and ended with a deserved point. Rice was again the goalscorer.

Rovers were then convincing winners over a poor Bray side - the scoreline could have easily read four or five goals to the Hoops. Bohemians travelled to Sligo and despite the poor surface they ground out an unconvincing win, with Glen Crowe getting his first goal of the season. Most recently Bohs defeated ten-man Finn Harps by three goals to nil and Rovers won away in Galway in what was to be Tony Cousins last game in charge.

The sides met four times last season. At Dalymount in the league Bohs won what was a close game by two goals to one with a late headed goal from ex Rovers player Jason McGuiness. Rovers felt they deserved at least a point from the game. The next league game was a scoreless draw at Tolka and then a little over a month later in the league cup Bohs again came out on top. Rovers were two nil winners in their final meeting. That derby win was to be Rovers last win of the season as the following week they lost three nil to Bray and from that point onwards the drive and determination that they became known for disappeared. Bohs end of season fortunes went the other way, they picked up a massive nineteen points from an available twenty - six wins, one draw and no defeats.

The majority of punters money has so far been on Shamrock Rovers and accordingly a number of bookmakers have shortened their odds on a home win. Rovers are slight favourites with practically all books with the best price at the moment being 13/8 - whereas 15/8 is available for an away win.

Up to date team news and further analysis to follow

Kick off at Tolka Park on Friday night is at 8pm

For more information on what is arguably the leagues biggest derby please see William Hill bets on Shamrock Rovers and Pat Fenlon press conference