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Premier Division

Premier Division

Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers (7.45)

Both teams have made a good start to the league campaign after best-forgotten outings in the league cup and this should be another of their tightly-contested, highly-passionate encounters.

Bohemians looked particularly strong as they saw off Finn Harps last Friday and if Joe Hanrahan is half as effective this evening, Rovers will have their hands full.

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"Joe has been a revelation since he arrived," says Bohemians manager Turlough O'Connor. "And the overall manner in which we have played has been very good, so I'm happy."

Tony O'Connor faces a last-minute fitness test on a groin strain before the game, but otherwise everybody is fit for the hosts. Rovers, meanwhile, have mounting problems with Tony Cousins joining the list of injured strikers. He may only be out for two weeks and in his absence, Derek Tracey may start up front, while 18-year-old Dubliner Wayne Christie may come into the action at some point.

Last season: Rovers 3, Bohemians 2; Bohemians 1, Rovers 1; Rovers 3, Bohemians 1.

League Cup/League form: Bohemians: DLW/DW; Rovers: LLD/WD.

Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Swan and Lawlor (two each); Rovers: Cousins, Tracey, Kenny and Morrisroe (one each).

Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 100/30.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Division One

In the first division, Saint Francis travel to Athlone for the only game of the evening. Liam Buckley's side have made the better start to date, but Bray manager Pat Devlin was impressed with the Dubliners when they visited the Carlisle Grounds last weekend and they will be determined to pick up their first competitive win of the season.

Tonight's Matches

FAI National League: Premier Division - Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers. First Division - Athlone Town v St Francis.

English League: Division One - Bury v Manchester City. Division Three - Colchester v Scarborough.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times