SUNDAY 29 AUGUST
The last-16 of the FAI Cup sees a Dublin derby meeting between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park, kick-off 4pm
This being a derby game, we're advised that consulting the form-book is a futile endeavour but Keith Long's side, after a sluggish start to the season, have found their groove in 2021, the highlight being their uplifting European run, which ended in agonising circumstances in Greece.
The effect that Shamrock Rovers' even more recent European exploits will have on them for today remains to be seen, though Stephen Bradley's team have maintained their winning habit in the league until now.
The pair last tussled in this competition back in the 2019 semi-final, when Shamrock Rovers made the jaunt across the Liffey and claimed a sweet 2-0 victory.
Team news
Bohemians: Stephen Mallon (hip) has been eased back with substitute appearances against PAOK and Sligo Rovers, while Promise Omochere (quad) is available once more as well.
Shamrock Rovers: Lee Grace, Sean Hoare and Sean Kavanagh, and Neil Farrugia are all ansentees
What the manager's say
Keith Long: "After the dust has settled on our European campaign, we can now fully focus on our domestic stuff, and it was vital we were able to bounce back after a hectic schedule with a winning performance against Sligo Rovers a fortnight ago.
"Previous league games between European games had seen us drop valuable points but against Sligo, the boys showed great resilience, character and unbelievable fitness levels to produce a great team performance to get the desired result."
"It was an important win helped by the supporters in the stand, who created a great atmosphere and understood the importance of the game.
"We enjoyed playing against European opposition but we cannot be satisfied with that and for us to continue to develop as a club, it is imperative that we try to secure European football next year.
"We have a number of games in hand but we will also have fixture congestion, which can be difficult to navigate but the group is fully focused on achieving our objectives."
Stephen Bradley: "I've always said that Europe gives you opportunity and that opportunity didn't quite work but our priorities are always domestic, they're always the league and the cup. Obviously, it's back to that on Sunday and what a game to come back to. A cup game and a Dublin Derby so it's one we're really looking forward to."
"I think we'll just need to play like we have been. If you take out the game in Tallinn, we've been very good, so we just need to perform to our levels and do what we do. We know that Bohs are playing well and they're a good side, but we just need to concentrate on what we do."
