Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers sit just one place apart in the Irish Premier Division, but a seven point gap means that Bohemians can’t afford to lose this game if they wish to catch and then overtake their opponents in the near future. The visitors possess a great goal threat than their hosts and that’s why the bookmakers fancy Shamrock to take all three points on Friday. However, the hosts are on a good run of form against Shamrock and the visitors haven’t won on the road in their last six attempts.
In April Shamrock played host to Bohemians in their reverse league fixture which produced a dramatic ninety-ninth minute winner. A tight and tense first half saw the home side take a twenty-eighth minute lead through forward Carr, a lead which lasted into the half time break. Bohemians had to push more men forward in search of an equalising goal, and in the seventieth minute they got their rewards when defender Byrne prodded home to make the scoreline 1-1. Injury and substitutions lead to their being around ten minutes of stoppage time in the second half, the ninth of which produced a dramatic winning goal for the visitors from the boot of Leahy. In truth a draw was probably the fair result, but Bohemians played to the final whistle and earned their victory at the death.
With two wins, three draws, and one defeat from their last six matches, Shamrock Rovers claim the title of form favourite ahead of Friday nights clash with Bohemians. The hosts have also won two of their last six matches, but only the one draw and three defeats means they have to settle for a place behind their guests in the form guide. Bohemians do have the home advantage and a good recent record against Shamrock that should give them plenty of self belief, with the last three games going the way of Friday’s hosts. Shamrock have been in better form but the majority of those last six matches have ended in stalemates and they are without a win on the road in their last six attempts.
Bohemians have lacked a natural goalscorer so far this season and will have to work hard if they are to take anything from Friday’s game, as Corcoran and Stokes lead the way with just three league goals to their name. Former Aston Villa trainee Burke is into double figures for Shamrock Rovers this season and will be looking to add to his ten goals this weekend.
We’re confident that Bohemians will take something from this game and have backed the home side with a double chance bet. As well as the home advantage Bohemians have that great recent record against Shamrock that will give them the confidence need to pick up a win or a draw on Friday. As for a final score, we’re backing the game to end 2-1 to the home side, or 1-1 in the game ends up as a draw.
Bohemians Predicted Lineup: Supple, Byrne, Cornwall, Casey, Kirk, Morris, Buckley, Watts, Brennan, Corcoran, Stokes.
Shamrock Rovers Predicted Lineup: Chencinski, Kavanagh, Lopes, Grace, Bone, Finn, Bolger, Coustrain, Boyle, Burke, Carr.
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These two clubs have met eighty-one times over the years, and with 31 wins, 26 draws, and 26 defeats its Shamrock Rovers who hold the head to head advantage. Bohemians have won their last three games against Shamrock, and on each occasion both teams have scored.
McCabe, Leahy, Moore, Pender, Swan, and Magerusan could all miss out for the hosts through injury.
Sean Boyd and Trevor Clarke are both set to miss the trip to Bohemians due to injury, and Miele will face a late fitness test.
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