The final game of matchday 15 sees an in-form Bohemians travel to the Showgrounds to face struggling Sligo Rovers.
The Bit O’Red need to start picking up results as they are now eleven points adrift of rivals Galway United in eighth place.
The only feasible goal at this moment in time is to overtake Cork City in the relegation play-off position.
Bohs have won four of their last five and have some of the most talented individuals in the top-flight performing to their best in recent weeks. Their recent run has lifted some of the gloom after starting the season with five defeats in seven matches
Rovers Boosted By The Return of Star Player But Hit With Defensive Absentees
The serious Achilles injury suffered by Wilson Waweru in September during the win over Dundalk was the beginning of the team’s current downfall.
The victory over the now First Division league leaders was part of a run of seven wins in ten matches, but it is now just two wins in 19 outings since Waweru has been absent.
Although not all of John Russell’s problems will be solved with the re-introduction of his star striker, a player of his calibre returning to the fold will be a major boost in what has been a poor campaign to date.
Waweru made his first appearance of the season after coming on for the final ten minutes in the defeat at Shamrock Rovers on Monday.
The Deck analysed the problems at Sligo Rovers, and all of those points remain valid. There are also defensive absentees to deal with this evening.
Captain John Mahon will serve a suspension and Ollie Denham is out with a knock. That leaves the side short on options in central defence, with one of Conor Reynolds and Harvey Lintott likely to slot in alongside 17-year-old Gareth McElroy.
This is a youthful Sligo Rovers side that has the potential to pick up some big results as the season progresses.
However, the manager must make changes tactically to stop leaving the side so open and vulnerable in transition. If he fails to do so, Rovers may become cut off at the bottom of the table.
Stoppage Time Specialists Seeking to Maintain Impressive Run
It has never appeared to be the right fit for Alan Reynolds and Bohemians since the manager’s appointment in March 2024.
However, a win over Sligo Rovers will bring the club level on points with third-place Drogheda United and with several stars in their line-up, expectations are growing for the Dublin side.
The return to form of last season’s star player, Dayle Rooney, is a welcome boost with Ross Tierney and, in particular, Dawson Devoy, continuing to highlight their immense talent at this level.
James Clarke has provided adequate cover in attack for Colm Whealan, and if the manager can get Lys Mousset firing, Bohemians could be an outside shout for a finish in a European place.
Bohemians have become specialists in scoring late winners, having scored the decisive goal after the 85th minute in each of their last four wins.
They also scored the final goal in their 4-2 win over Sligo Rovers at the start of April in stoppage time. Bohemians are seeking a third consecutive win over the Bit O’Red this evening.
Sligo Rovers vs Bohemians Prediction
There should be goals in this one as the home supporters will continue to be in fine voice to try and push Sligo Rovers over the line for just a second win at the Showgrounds this season.
However, the absentees at the back will lead to opportunities for Bohemians’ key players, and it is unlikely that Rovers will be able to keep out their opponents.
There has been an average of three goals per game at the Showgrounds with both teams scoring in each of the last four.
It should be expected that both teams are on target, with the away side looking the most likely to pick up three points.