IT’S BEEN six league games between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians since more than a goal separated the sides, while the recent Leinster Senior Cup encounter required penalties to produce a winner. However, the visitors would, one suspects, be happy if it was any way tight at Tallaght tonight.
A repeat of the 1-1 draw there late last year would, for instance, see Aaron Callaghan’s side double their points tally for the season so far and yield a first goal of the campaign, something Bohemians have rarely even threatened in their outings so far.
Callaghan described the encounter as a “David v Goliath battle” and envies the attacking talent available to Rovers manager Stephen Kenny.
His own approach, though, has been to play with one striker in a 4-1-4-1 formation and while last week’s scoreless draw at home to St Patrick’s seems certain to mean nothing changes, the manager may have to open things up if the team is going to beat any of the league’s lesser sides during the weeks ahead.
Keith Ward and Danny Joyce are back training after injuries and could feature at some stage for Bohemians, while Kenny is without Conor Powell and Gary McCabe, both of whom are suspended.
Killian Brennan did well at left back last week, though, and the manager has plenty of options in other areas, including between the posts, with Reyaad Pieterse having received his clearance to play.
A repeat of their performance against Rovers a couple of weeks back might well be enough to get Cork City a win against Bray but Tommy Dunne is still short of a couple of players. Shane Duggan is back, though, and Bray have a couple of problems of their own with Adam Mitchell (concussion) and Dane Massey (suspension) both unavailable.
Christy Fagan cold start for St Patrick’s Athletic at Shelbourne if Liam Buckley opts to change his formation in the wake of the draw at Dalymount. Dean Kelly is suspended and Aidan Price still injured but the visitors bring a strong squad.
Dean Delaney misses out after his early sending off against Rovers but as long as they keep 11 men on the pitch this time, Alan Mathews’s men should steady the ship after the 4-0 defeat and will fancy their chances of adding to their haul of points at home.
UCD have Mick Leahy back for the visit of Monaghan, who are still short important players in Shaun Maher and Paul Whelan.
Drogheda, meanwhile, will face Derry City without Cathal Brady but could have the likes of Declan O’Brien and Peter Hynes available for selection.
