Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians - Where can I watch it and what do I need to know?
Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
The final Dublin derby of the season sees Bohemians travel to Tallaght in search of an incredible clean sweep of league wins over bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers.
Irish football’s most famous and most intense encounter rarely passes off without some hint of drama as familiarity does little to dampen the contempt in which they hold on another.
Whether it’s red cards, of which there have been plenty this season, stunning strikes like Danny Mandroiu’s at Dalymount Park or the odd pig’s head thrown at an ex-striker, it’s never boring.
The Gypsies have won all three of the sides’ games this season, including a 1-0 victory in Tallaght in April that saw Shamrock Rovers play most of the game with nine players.
Trevor Clarke and Lee Grace both saw red in the first half as Dinny Corcoran scored at the second attempt after his penalty was saved by Alan Mannus.
The first meeting at Dalymount Park had seen Aaron Greene shown a straight red card, also in the first half, and this time Corcoran scored his penalty.
Rovers managed to keep 11 men on the field last time out at Dalymount, but they conceded two penalties, one of which Mannus saved, before Mandroiu won it with a thunderbolt.
It’s a cliché that form goes out the window in these games, but how else to explain that Bohs have won seven and drawn one of the last eight meetings despite finishing behind their foes each season?
Nevertheless, Rovers are the form team heading into the game with five wins from their last five (two in the FAI Cup and three in the league).
Bohs, by contrast, have squeezed past First Division opposition in Shelbourne and Longford Town in the FAI Cup, either side of a 10-1 hammering of UCD and a 6-1 defeat to Dundalk.
Whatever the outcome, spectators won’t be short of drama and talking points to chew over long into the night.
What time is the match?
Kick-off is 8pm.
Where is the match?
Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.
Who is the referee?
Limerick’s Rob Hennessy is the man in the middle.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets for the home end can be bought at the stadium or online here. The away allocation is sold out.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live in the Republic of Ireland on Eir Sport 1 with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
As ever, the Extratime.ie floating heads will be bringing you previews and reports from around the grounds before and after the game.
If you don't have access to Eir, or you just enjoy the smooth, soulful tones of Oisín Langan, you can listen to Extratime.ie's radio commentary here or via the player embedded below.
Can I stream it online?
Eir broadband, landline and TV customers can avail of Eir Sport’s online streaming service here.
Who are they key players to watch?
He’s the man of the moment and his form in the league and Europe has been enough to earn him a place in Mick McCarthy’s Ireland squad for the crucial Euro qualifier against Switzerland next week.
Jack Byrne has been one of the league’s outstanding talents this term but the one thing missing from the playmaker’s Rovers CV is a truly dominant performance against their biggest rivals.
When we talk about outstanding talents in the league, we can’t overlook the impact Danny Mandroiu has had in his few months back in Irish football.
The former St Kevin’s Boys youth has marked himself out as a special talent with deft skill and an eye for the spectacular – not least his matchwinner the last time these sides met in June.
Team news:
Neil Farrugia misses out with injury for Rovers, but Joey O’Brien is fit again and Ronan Finn returns from suspension.
Dinny Corcoran and Cristian Magerusan are long-term absentees for the Gypsies, while Conor Levingston, Keith Ward and Ryan Graydon are all doubtful.
Read Andrew Dempsey's match preview here.
Betting:
Shamrock Rovers 4/9; Draw 16/5; Bohemians 11/2.
Full list of SSE Airtricity League fixtures (all 7.45pm kick-off unless stated):
Shamrock Rovers -v- Bohemians (8pm)
UCD -v- Dundalk
Cork City -v- Sligo Rovers
Waterford -v- Derry City
Shelbourne -v- Bray Wanderers
Wexford -v- Longford Town
Athlone Town -v- Drogheda United
