Bohemians -v- Sligo Rovers

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians welcome league leaders Sligo Rovers to Dalymount Park on Friday evening where Aaron Callaghan’s men will be hoping for three points, having won their last two games in all competitions.

Things haven’t exactly been peachy for the gypsies, who have only picked up five points at home this season. They come in to this fixture having picked up three points in one of many Dublin derbies against Shelbourne and having secured their place in the third round of the FAI Cup after defeating Drumkeen United.

Dinny Corcoran has been suffering with a groin injury and will need to pass a fitness test before he can be named in the team. Dave Mulcahy will also need a fitness test as he is struggling with a calf injury.

John O’Connor, Neil Harney, Andy McNulty and Owen Heary remain sidelined, while Luke Byrne is on international duty with the Ireland under-19s.

Ahead of the game, Callaghan said: “Any win breeds confidence. It would be great to get a result. If we can take a big scalp it would set us up nicely for the second phase.”

However, Callaghan is aware of the threat that the league leaders pose, particularly in Danny North: “They still have their quality players. We need to be on our game to deal with them, particularly Danny North. We need to keep him quiet and, if we can do that, we’re 80 per cent of the way there to stop them scoring goals.

SLIGO ROVERS

Ian Baraclough’s men come in to this game on the back of two defeats in all competitions. Their last league game resulted in a loss at the hands of UCD after a poor performance from the bit o’red.

Last week, Sligo were knocked out of the FAI Cup by Monaghan United having won it the last two years in a row.

Rovers are still missing Joseph Ndo and Iarfhlaith Davoren. International duty means Romauld Boco is still missing and Alan Keane is suspended following his sending off against Monaghan United in the cup.

Baraclough said: “We've had a good week training and everything is being geared towards Friday night. It will be a tough game because from viewing their recent performances, Bohs are improving and they had a good win in the cup last week.” 

He feels that three points would be the perfect way to sign off before the mid-season break: “Training has been bubbly, high-tempo and we have worked very hard to get to where we are in the league. We want to finish on a positive note and keep that lead so we're looking forward to the trip."

Referee: Damien Hancock

MATCH STATS

In their last nine league meetings, Bohemians have won four times, Sligo have won twice and they have drawn three times.

Ryan McEvoy is Bohs’ leading goal-scorer having netted four league goals.

Danny North has scored thirteen league goals so far this season for Sligo Rovers.

BETTING

Bohemians 7/2; Draw 5/2; Sligo Rovers 3/4.

PREDICTION

A 2-1 win for Sligo.

Bohemians Injury News: Dinny Corcoran (groin), Dave Mulcahy(calf), John O’Connor(infection), Neil Harney(illness), Andy McNulty(hamstring), Owen Heary(hamstring).

Bohemians Suspension News: Aaron Callaghan.

Sligo Rovers Injury News: Joseph Ndo(hamstring), Iarfhlaith Davoren(calf).

Sligo Rovers Suspension News: Alan Keane.