League Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS

As they look to stay within touching distance of league leaders Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians return to Dalymount Park today for their clash against Derry City (kick-off 7:45pm). 

Bohs returned to winning ways last week with a victory on the road: Andre Wright’s 80th minute strike was enough to claim all three points against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Friday last.  

Prior to the win against Sligo, a dip in form saw the Phibsborough club’s title charge lose momentum. A painful 1-0 loss to league favourites Rovers and a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Waterford put a serious dent in their title aspirations. 

Currently, eight points separate Bohs and Rovers. Rovers face Dundalk on Sunday. The latter go into the tie riding high off the back of their European heroics against Sheriff Tiraspol.

DERRY CITY

Derry City head into the clash after their 0-0 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday. 

The Candystripes will be without Eoin Toal, Gerardo Bruna and Joe Thomson for the tie in Dalymount. Northern Ireland midfielder Stephen Mallon picked up a knock during the week, but is expected to be in the squad. 

Derry manager Declan Devine will hope his side has more success in front of the net today, following two goalless draws in their last two outings in the league. 

"A lot has been made of our recent run and while I have said many times in the past few weeks that we need to work on our creativity, we have only lost once in our last six league matches."

"We've had too many draws – we know that – and we've talked again of the need to play on the front foot. Bohs have been excellent this season, but we have to be positive."

"I want us to try to win the game and this will be a good benchmark for us as to where we're at."

Derry currently sit sixth in the league table on 13 points. 

Referee: Ben Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Derry have won just two league games since the restart in July. However, they are unbeaten in five of their last six Premier Division ties. 

A win for Derry would see them leapfrog Sligo Rovers and take up fifth place in the table. A loss, however, would leave them just four points from the relegation places. 

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-0 Derry City 

Bohemians

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: Kris Twardek

Derry City

Injured: Eoin Toal, Gerardo Bruna, Joe Thomson.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.