Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park, 7:45pm
Keith Long says his Bohemians side will not be deterred by the sense of occasion when they host arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin derby on Friday.
Long said: "Our record in previous games against Rovers doesn't come into it and the clubs' positions in the table counts for nothing coming into a derby either.
“These games are tight, tense and have often been decided on a mistake or sometimes on who wants it more. I've no doubt it will be a keenly contested affair as always."
Bohs are in form after two successive 2-0 league victories against Longford Town and Bray Wanderers respectively, with an entertaining 4-3 Leinster Senior Cup win over Dundalk in between.
Dave Mulcahy comes back into contention for Bohs after missing the Bray game with a virus. But Mark Quigley (quad) and Jake Kelly (virus) are doubtful. Jason Caffrey (hamstring) remains out..
Rovers make the short trip across the city in the hope of turning their fortunes around after losing heavily last week to Derry City.
Last weekend’s results meant the Hoops are currently sitting fifth in the league standings, four points away from league leaders Dundalk but with a game in hand.
Rovers have four wins from their opening six games with two losses and are still without the injured pair of Luke Byrne and Dean Clarke.
Trevor Clarke returns to the squad after coming down with a slight illness last weekend, while GaryShaw also returns.
Here's your Dublin derby stats @ShamrockRovers away v @bfcdublin https://t.co/E53x858AqG pic.twitter.com/UL3YpwWS54
— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) April 14, 2016
Dundalk v Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park, 7:45pm
League leaders Dundalk will look to push three points clear at the top of the table when they entertain winless Sligo Rovers tonight.
Dundalk will be without the injured pair of Robbie Benson and Patrick McEleney who have ankle ligaments and groin problems respectively, while Ciaran O’Connor is a long-term absentee with a hairline fracture of the metatarsal which he sustained last week in Longford.
John Mountney returned to the squad last weekend and came on as a second-half substitute and Chris Shields is available for selection again after serving his one-match suspension.
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny said: “We are in good form ourselves and I want us to keep that going.
“We are playing very well at the moment, I feel. We want to take that form into the match at Oriel Park against Sligo Rovers. Sligo have got two decent results in the past few weeks with the draws against Pat’s and Cork so we know that we will have to earn the win, we have to earn the three points and we’ll be ready for the game.”
Striker Phil Roberts will come back into The Bit O’Red squad having served the last of his additional two-game ban for his sending off against Galway United.
Both Tim Clancy and Gavin Peers have both trained all week and will probably return from groin and thigh injuries but a late decision will be made.
Sligo boss Dave Robertson said: “We will definitely go there with confidence, we have been happy with our performances in the last two games. We have set the standards now for ourselves in the last fortnight and that is what we have to maintain all season.
“We have done plenty of homework on Dundalk. I have watched them three times myself and we know exactly what to expect from them. We will also be prepared to deal with any tactical changes they may make on the night.
“We will be hoping for the same performance levels we have seen in recent weeks and if we can produce that and get a little bit of luck then we could come away from the game with something.”
Galway United v Cork City, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7:45pm
Third-placed Galway United will be hoping to maintain their impressive start to the season when they welcome Cork City to Eamonn Deacy Park.
Manager Tommy Dunne must plan without Armin Aganovic has returned to full training, but he won't be considered for selection as he completes his recovery from a knee injury.
Enda Curran is doubtful with a groin injury, while winger Kevin Devaney is also struggling with an infection in his leg and may miss out.
Dunne said: " We know Cork City are very strong, they're champion candidates. So we know it's going to be tough.
"We're looking forward to it. We're well up for it. In any game we've played in this year, we've been there or thereabouts. I hope it's a tight and cagey game. I hope it's a tough game for both of us. Then you know you're well in the match.
"The support has been excellent, there's been a good atmosphere at our games and the players have enjoyed it. "
City are currently sixth in the table, five points off the top with a game in hand, with three wins, two draws and one defeat in their opening six matches.
City have held the upper hand traditionally in the fixture, winning 31 of their 53 encounters compared to Galway’s 11, though first team Coach John Cotter said he has been impressed by Galway’s start to the campaign:
“Galway are flying, they’ve started the season well. In fairness Tommy did a great job down here and he’s doing a great job there,” he said.
“ They’ve invested heavily in players like Vinny Faherty, Kevin Devaney and John Sullivan, they’re top players in this league and I’d say they’ve a real intent to go and win the league or at the very least, qualify for Europe.”
St Patrick's Athletic v Wexford Youths, Richmond Park, 7:45pm
Wexford Youths will look to extend their unbeaten run to three games as they take on St Patrick’s Athletic having picked up four points from their last two games.
Youths will continue to be without Shane Dunne, Peter Higgins and Aidan Keenan but hope to welcome back Johnny Bonner who has been given the all clear following an eye injury.
Manager Shane Keegan believes there is still room for improvement as his side looks to move clear of the relegation zone.
Keegan said: "In the first couple of games we were performing very well but coming away without points whereas in the last two games we probably haven't actually been as good but yet have taken 4 points. The challenge now is to combine the two, big performances with picking up points.
"But it's picking up points that really gives players confidence. You can see by our lads in training all week that they actually really fancy their chances tonight. I took a finishing practice last night and they had the net bulging. They know it will be a very tough game but their really looking forward to it."
For Saints, Conor O'Malley remains out injured with an ankle problem, while skipper Ger O'Brien faces a late fitness test as he recovers from an ankle injury, which forced him off in the 1-1 draw at home to Sligo Rovers.
"We're expecting a tough game on Friday," said Saints boss Liam Buckley. "Wexford got a tremendous result in Cork last week so we know they'll be coming to Richmond Park with some confidence and they've acquitted themselves well so far this season. They really impressed when winning the First Division last season so we know we'll be really tested on Friday.
"However, I thought the lads really fought hard on Monday to get the win against Harps, and that was really pleasing to see. We've tried to recover as best we can since Monday, and prepare as best as we can for Wexford in order to hopefully get another three points."
Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers, Finn Park, 8.00pm
Finn Harps will be hoping to bounce back from Monday night’s defeat as they go head to head with fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers tonight.
Harps will again be without the injured trio of Josh Mailey, Raymond Foy and Barry Molloy. Damien McNulty, Dave Scully and Ethan Boyle all suffered knocks during Monday’s game against St. Pat’s and are doubts.
Manager Ollie Horgan said: “We have 26 games left, so it’s a little early in the season for six-pointer games.
“Bray have loads of experience in their squad. They may not have made the best of starts to the season, but they showed recently against Sligo Rovers how dangerous a side they can be.”
