Shamrock Rovers Vs Bohemians Preview

 
Bohemians travel to Tallaght Stadium tonight for their second major Dublin derby in four days and their third match in seven. The champions are looking to record their first win at the Tallaght Stadium.

Bohs come into the game unbeaten in the league, but with two draws, most recently Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw at home to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Pat Fenlon knows that the trip to Tallaght is not going to be easy, although Rovers have only one win in the league so far. The Bohs manager expects to have a full squad available for the game. Steven Gray (ankle) and Anto Murphy (shoulder) have both missed several matches but they are in training and should be available.

For goalkeeper Barry Murphy tonight’s match has more-than-usual interest. He switched allegiances during the pre-season moving across the city to Bohs from Rovers having played an important role in the Tallaght defeats of Bohs. Murphy will look to dislodge Chris O’Connor for the Bohs number one shirt.

For Rovers they have a massive injury crisis, Gary Twigg (calf), Dessie Baker (broken arm), Pat Sullivan (knee) and Stephen Bradley (wrist) remain sidelined. While there are doubts about the availability of Paddy Kavanagh (hamstring), Pat Flynn (hip), Craig Sives (calf) and Sean O’Connor (knee).

Last season, Bohemians got just four points from a possible 12 against Shamrock Rovers as the title race went down to the wire. Bohs beat Rovers 2-0 at the beginning of the season and grabbed a point in their 0-0 draw in July. They failed to collect a point in Tallaght Stadium, however, losing 2-1 to late goals by Gary Twigg and 1-0 to a late goal by Padraig Amond.

Tonight’s game in Tallaght will get underway at quarter to eight.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.