Bohemians are looking for Dublin derby spoils in their first game back from a two-week break during the international football window.
Just one point separates tonight’s opposition with Shelbourne in sixth on 24 points and Bohs in seventh on 23.
Very little separated the teams the last time they met at Dalymount Park either when they served up a 1-1 draw.
But Bohs, with a determination to climb up the table, will be looking to instead replicate their most recent result against Shels when goals at Tolka Park from Liam Burt, Dawson Devoy, Kris Twardek and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe gave the Gypsies their most comprehensive result of the season.
Manager Keith Long said: “After a couple of weeks away from competitive action we are back playing and what better way to restart the campaign than in a derby in front of a packed house.
“Hopefully the game will reflect what I am sure will be a terrific atmosphere.”
There have been changes to the squad in that short break too, with the loan deals of Sam Packham and Ryan Cassidy coming to an end.
There are three new faces signed up – full-back Ryan Burke, centre-back Josh Kerr and midfielder John O’Sullivan.
The trio are not available for tonight’s game or next week’s against Shamrock Rovers but will come into contention once the transfer window opens on July 1.
Long said: “These are players who I really believe will help strengthen our squad and provide healthy competition for our group.
“They are obviously coming from the traditional season and will require several weeks to get up to match speed and fitness, but we hope they can contribute quickly once international clearance comes through from July 1.
“Hopefully, we will be able to make some more additions over the coming weeks with so much to play for in the second half of the season.
“It takes time to build a squad. For far too long we have witnessed our best players leaving the club and hopefully our attempts to attract players on longer term contracts gives us stability on the pitch now that we have it thankfully off it.
“Our club is now in a strong position having transitioned from the best part-time club in the country to a club that wants to challenge and challenge repeatedly and sustainably.
“That might seem a long way off at this minute when you look at the current league table but I don’t believe we are a million miles off. If we can add to our squad again this window and the next I believe it will put us in a great position as we move forward.”
While the club has been boosted with new arrivals, there was a blow during the break when goalkeeper James Tablout suffered a shoulder injury in training while on duty with Ireland.
Long added: “Unfortunately, we are going to be without the services of James for a significant amount of time.
“James has been exceptional since he came to the club. Any team would miss a player and person of his calibre.
“I am gutted for James, but I am sure he will do everything in his power to get back to fitness as quickly as possible.
“Thankfully, we have Tadhg Ryan who, since coming to the club, has bided his time patiently and is more than capable of stepping into the breach.
“It can be a lonely station for goalkeepers waiting in the wings for an opportunity, but Tadhg has been the ultimate professional and his time is now.
“I am confident that he will show his quality in James’ absence.”
Another man on the sidelines is Grant Horton who has impressed at centre-back on loan from Cheltenham.
Long added: “Grant has had knee surgery to repair a small issue with his meniscus and will complete his rehab with Cheltenham with a view to coming back to us to finalise his rehab and have him ready potentially for the latter half of July.
“Grant, prior to his injury, was in good form and we are looking forward to having him available as we attempt to attack the second half of the season.”
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are without James Talbot (shoulder), Tyreke Wilson (suspended) and Grant Horton (knee).
Ryan Cassidy and Sam Packham have left the club after their loans from Watford and Brighton came to an end.
New signings Josh Kerr, Ryan Burke and John O’Sullivan are not eligible until the transfer window opens on July 1.
