Bohemians look to consolidate top spot
Pat Fenlon’s men will be without the suspended Gary Deegan while Glen Cronin, Jason McGuinness, Anto Murphy and Sean Byrne will also miss out due to injury.
His opposite number, former Gypsies boss, Sean Connor is wary of his old side despite having taken the scalps of Cork City and Derry City in their last two matches.
“We know how difficult Bohemians will be to break down,” said Connor. “But we feel if we can get in front, it will certainly give us something to hold on to and keep our run going.”
Dundalk’s only injury concern is Michael Daly who suffered a head injury in training.
At the Brandywell, second placed Derry will be hoping to recover from their defeat at the hands of Dundalk last Friday when they take on Alan Mathews’ Drogheda United (7.45pm).
“It’s important for us to bounce back after last week’s defeat with a strong performance at home” said Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny.
Barry Molloy (ankle), Kevin Deery (calf), Liam Kearney (ankle) and Mark McChrystal (cheek bone) are all injured for the home side while Ciaran Martyn and Stephen Gray are suspended.
Mathews has a fully fit squad, with the exception of long term casualties Robbie Farrell and Alan Williams. Paul Shiels returns from suspension while new signings Guy Bates and Brendan McGill will also be available.
“We have another difficult away trip ahead of us,” said the United boss. “Derry City are a good side with a lot of good players. We will be looking to keep our good run going.”
Shamrock Rovers are snapping at the heels of Kenny’s side and they travel to the Carlisle Grounds tonight to take on lowly Bray Wanderers (7.45pm).
They will have to recover quickly too because Alan Shearer’s Newcastle United are tomorrow’s guests at Tallaght Stadium.
“It’s a busy weekend for us,” said Rovers boss, Michael O’Neill. “We could do without this game, if I’m being honest. But it is a good game to play lads who aren’t currently in the first team. We’ll also be taking a look at some triallists.”
Stephen Rice returns from suspension for the Hoops while there are doubts about the availability of Darragh Maguire (knee), Stephen Bradley (heel) and Sean O’Connor (ankle).
“Bray are very much our bogey team so far this season,” claims O’Neill. “We were very disappointed to lose against them at home. but we haven’t lost a game since, which shows how well the players reacted to that result.”
Bray will be without Chris Deans (heel), Colm Tresson (hamstring) and Chris Shields (suspended) while there are also doubts about Gareth Coughlan and Gary McCabe.
In the remaining fixture, St Patrick’s Athletic take on Galway United at Richmond Park (7.45pm).
* Controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton may play in this weekend’s pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.
The former Manchester City player, who has been linked with Birmingham, was banished from the training ground after a dressing-room bust-up with manager Alan Shearer at Liverpool last season.
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