Preview: Bohemians vs. Derry City - prediction, team news, lineups

Derry City will look to ramp up their pursuit of a place in the top two of the League of Ireland Premier Division table on Friday, when they travel to take on Bohemians.

A victory over University College Dublin last time out saw the visitors move within one point of Dundalk, while their hosts remain sixth after a defeat last week.

Match preview

Bohemians have experienced a particularly mixed campaign thus far in the Irish top flight, as they currently sit in mid-table with six victories and six defeats from their opening 20 games alongside eight draws.

Their season has been defined by inconsistency, with a recent win over Sligo Rovers in late May quickly followed by a heavy defeat to St Patrick's Athletic and a draw with strugglers Drogheda United, before Keith Long's side again returned to winning ways against Shelbourne thanks to Dawson Devoy's early finish.

They were unable to build on that last time out, though, as their short trip to league leaders and fellow Dublin outfit Shamrock Rovers ended in a narrow defeat, as Rory Gaffney hit the only goal of the game soon after half time.

Such a defeat saw the Bohs fall three points behind Sligo Rovers, and, still finding themselves in the bottom half, they will be looking to build a more positive run of form in the coming weeks but face another tough test on Friday.

Derry City arrive looking to build on a win last time out in their quest to break into the top two.

The Red and White Army enjoyed a particularly strong start to the season, putting themselves around the top of the table as they amassed 31 points from the opening 13 league outings.

Ruaidhri Higgins's side then saw their form take a sharp dip though, as they failed to win any of the next seven outings, picking up just four points courtesy of two pairs of draws either side of three consecutive defeats.

As a result, they dropped well behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers and down to third spot below Dundalk, making last Friday's trip to strugglers University College Dublin crucial.

While Higgins's men were not overly convincing against the basement side, who have just one league win to their name this season, Derry were able to take all three points as Will Patching converted a second-half penalty to seal a 1-0 win, and, having climbed back within a point of second place, they will go in search of a second straight triumph on their travels.

Team News

Bohemians will welcome centre-back Ciaran Kelly back to action on Friday, after he served a suspension last time out for a red card shown in the win over Shelbourne.

He should make a quick return to the defence, likely alongside 21-year-old Jordan Doherty.

Talented young midfielder Dawson Devoy will remain a key man, having contributed six goals and two assists in 20 league appearances so far this season.

Derry City's line will be led by star man Jamie McGonigle, who has netted 10 league goals this term following a switch from Crusaders last year.

Midfielder Will Patching is another man to watch after he hit his ninth goal of the season in their victory over UCD last week.

With defender Eoin Toal remaining out of action, Cameron McJannet and Shane McEleney should again partner up at the heart of the back line.

Bohemians possible starting lineup:

Ryan; Murphy, Doherty, Kelly, Flores; Coote, Devoy, Levingston, Omochere; Burt, Ogedi-Uzokwe

Derry City possible starting lineup:

Maher; Porter, S McEleney, McJannet, Coll; Thomson, Patching, P McEleney; Kavanagh, McGonigle, Smith

We say: Bohemians 1-2 Derry City

Bohemians have failed to establish any real consistency so far this season, while their visitors will be desperate for another victory in their fight at the top end of the division, and, on the back of a return to winning ways last time out, we see Derry prevailing narrowly on Friday.

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