Rise and shine for a Dublin derby as the old rivals collide in an unusually early kick-off time at Dalymount Park.
Coldplay’s massive gigs in Croke Park raised concerns about stretched garda resources for this bitter showdown, and so it’s been moved to the morning shift.
There will undoubtedly be a spicy atmosphere regardless as Bohs chase an important win that would go some way to easing their increasing anxiety about being dragged into a relegation scrap.
Alan Reynolds’ men are four points clear of ninth-placed Drogheda United with two games in hand but they’re without a win in ten league matches.
Shamrock Rovers have slipped to sixth in the table. They, of course, have the UEFA Conference League to look forward to but the Hoops have a lot of work to do to mount a late title charrge. Indeed they really need to start stitiching wins together just to ensure they’ll be back in Europe next season.
“It is what it is,” Bradley said of the early start. “There’s no point in thinking about it. The decision is made and there was nothing we could do to affect it, so there was no point wasting our energy on it.
“It’s a case of adapting and being ready for it. What this group has learned in recent years in terms of both domestic and European football is adapting and being robust. So that’s what we’ll be looking to do, we won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves either way.
“It’s an early kick-off so we’ll just get on with it and play the game.”
“It is vitally important for us to get points on the board.”
Reynolds has faith his out-of-form charges will get things right to start moving away from danger.
“This is a very important period for the club,” he said.
“We are playing some of the top teams in the country over the course of the next month and it is vitally important for us to get points on the board.
“Our league form has been disappointing and we know how good Shamrock Rovers are so it is up to us to show how good we can be.
“I’ve no doubt our fans will have their alarm clocks set for early tomorrow to make sure they are in good voice in time for the early kick-off, and we all want to give them something to sing about.”
In team news Jordan Flores is back for Bohs but they’re sweating on the fitness of Alex Greive and James Akintunde. James McManus and Jake Carroll could also come back into the fold, however Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley are still out.
Trevor Clarke is absent for the Hoops, as are Aaron Greene and Darragh Nugent. Dan Cleary picked up a knock against PAOK and is a doubt but Johnny Kenny is expected to feature.
The Saints’ UEFA Conference League dreams ended in Turkey on Wednesday night when they fell to a 2-0 loss against Istanbul Basaksehir.
They return to the bread and butter of the league ten points off the Euopean spots and requiring a really strong finish to the campaign if they are to break into the top three.
A dogged Drogheda United will be no pushovers. Kevin Doherty’s side are second from bottom but head to Inchicore off the back of a remarkable 7-0 annihilation of Sligo Rovers.
“We have to dust ourselves down and make sure we are ready,” said Pat’s boss Stephen Kenny.
“Clubs sometimes find it challenging coming back off European games, however, the other side of it is that if you can replicate the intensity from those matches and translate it to the league, in terms of having speed in our play et cetera like we have in recent weeks, it gives you a good chance to win matches.
“We know our supporters will get behind the team as they always do, the players will be looking forward to it.”
Doherty was cheering Pat’s on against Basaksehir but now turns his attentions to turning over a team that’s been steadily improving under Kenny.
“I watched most of the first leg against Istanbul and they were unbelievable and should have won the game,” Doherty told The Drogheda Independent.
“They were absolutely exceptional. Joe Redmond and Tom Grivosti were so solid against a top player, and to be honest I think Conor Keeley was the best player on the pitch when he came on.
“They’re a really good side and it’s going to be really difficult for us.
“Being Sunday it alters our schedule a little bit – Friday-Friday is what we’re used to, but it’s only a couple of weeks since we played (Shamrock) Rovers on a Sunday and there were a couple of knocks the other night, so the extra two days might help us.”
In team news Romal Palmer (knee) and Cian Kavanagh (back) are injured for the hosts.
The Drogs have a couple of slight concerns including Shane Farrell, who was forced to come off with a knock against Sligo.
