Bohemians cross the border as they travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium this Friday.
The Gypsies face Derry City after a historic opening day in which over 33,000 people turned up for their 1-0 win over Southside rivals Shamrock Rovers at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
Derry City will be looking to right the wrongs of Friday night’s 3-1 defeat to Bohs’ Northside rivals Shelbourne, which saw the Candystripes level for all of a minute before conceding again.
Derry return to the Brandywell for the first time since November, when they lost 1-0 to Shelbourne to win the Reds the league title.
This fixture is set to be a first run out of Bohs’ new third jersey, created in partnership with Dublin band Fontaines D.C. and charity Medical Aid for Palestine.
It will be a tough ask of the Phibsboro side to claim the three points on the Brandywell’s astro pitch, and with the addition of a brand new stand, there will be more Derry fans egging on the Candystripes.
Michael Duffy was the sole scorer for Derry City last week at Tolka Park. He was assisted by Dominic Thomas, who was signed during the winter window from Queen’s Park in his native Glasgow.
The Candystripes have also bolstered their squad with the signings of Arlo Doherty, Shane Ferguson, Liam Boyce, Gavin Whyte, Robbie Benson, and Carl Winchester. Adam O’Reilly and Brian Maher have also committed their respective futures to Foyleside. Four of these made their competitive debuts last Friday, including Thomas.
Bohs came into the season with doubt surrounding their recruitment, including that of Lys Mousset. ‘The Moose’ was substituted in the 56th minute of the match on Sunday. It is unclear if he will start, with many people citing a lack of fitness – owing to a lack of competitive play in the past 18 months – for the 28-year-old.
One player to keep an eye on is Bohs’ Connor Parsons. He was sharp against Shamrock Rovers and helped set up Ross Tierney’s goal, and gave the Hoops’ defence a hard time. He looked lively, skillful, and full of energy.
The two clubs’ last encounter saw them draw 1-1, with Archie Meekison’s 20th minute strike being cancelled out by Patrick Hoban’s 61st minute equaliser.
Kick-off at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is this Friday at 7.45PM, and available on LOI TV.