League Preview: Derry City -v- Bohemians

DERRY CITY

Derry City host Bohemians at the Brandywell on Monday night knowing a win of any description will move them about the Gypsies into third (kick-off 7.45pm).

Declan Devine’s side returned to winning ways on Friday night as goals from Eoin Toal and Jamie McDonagh saw off the challenge of Cork City at the same venue.

McDonagh had also missed a penalty in the second half after former Derry midfielder Conor McCormack had been shown a second yellow for a foul on Barry McNamee.

The result puts the Candystripes right back into contention after a defeat to Shamrock Rovers and conceding a last-minute equalizer in Waterford saw them fall back.

"You can see how [Bohemians are] growing their club,” Devine told Derry City’s media team.

“It's something we're trying to do ourselves and you can see the reaction of their fans and their local community to the work that is going in.

"They're performing really well on the pitch as well so this will be another huge challenge for us.

“I think they made something like eight changes to their side on Friday night, obviously with this game in mind, so it has the makings of a big match for both of us."

"The players are relishing this run of games and everyone wants to play. That's why we're in this business in the first place.



“Although it's the second home game in quick succession I hope as many of our supporters as possible will continue to come out to back us again."

Striker David Parkhouse misses out after picking up his fifth booking of the season, but Ally Gilchrist may return after missing the Cork game with a knock.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians are on the road for the third midweek fixture in a row as they make the long trip north to Derry City.

Third meet fourth in a game that could prove important, even at this early stage, in determining whether these sides are capable of maintaining a title challenge.

Bohs boss Keith Long made eight changes to the side that beat Shamrock Rovers last week as his team were held to a scoreless draw by Waterford at Dalymount Park.



One of the players rested on Friday was teenager Danny Grant, who played a key part in wins over Finn Harps, UCD and Rovers, including goals in the first two.

Grant paid tribute to the management team ahead of the meeting with Waterford for their willingness to give opportunities to young players/

“I feel as a player I have come on and that’s thanks to the help I’ve got from Keith Long and Trevor Croly,”

“There’s no better club in the league to be with as a young player. If you work hard and are good enough, you will get a chance.

“I want to keep developing, I want to see can if I get better. Keith’s told me he thinks I look a different player than I was before and that’s given me more confidence.”

Bohemians have no supplied team news as of yet, but Cristian Magerusan is a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once so far this season, with a late James Finnerty strike cancelled out former Gypsy Eoghan Stokes’ penalty as the points were shared.

The sides met four times in the league last season with Derry taking the points on three occasions, before Bohs won the final meeting at the Brandywell.

In their fifth and final meeting of the year, a brace from Dinny Corcoran and one from Dan Casey saw Bohs to victory at the Brandywell in their FAI Cup quarter-final.

BETTING

Derry City 7/5; Draw 21/10; Bohemians 15/8.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 – 1 Bohemians

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ally Gilchrist.

Suspended: David Parkhouse.

Bohemians

Injured: Cristian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.