Friday's Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers derby 'the most anticipated in a long time' - Graham Gartland

With Bohemians flying high in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and Shamrock Rovers having finally got their first win of the season, Friday's Dublin derby is the "most anticipated" in years according to Graham Gartland.

Bohs have made a storming start to the season, winning six games from seven. Meanwhile, despite decent performances up to then, reigning champions Shamrock Rovers had to wait until last Friday's 4-0 win over Dundalk to pick up a first victory of the campaign at the seventh attempt.

With both teams on something of a high, that bodes well for an intense clash between the two rivals at Dalymount Park.

"This is probably the most anticipated derby in a long, long time, considering where Bohs are," former Drogheda United, Longford Town and Shamrock Rovers defender Gartland said on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"They're sitting top of the league, won the last four games, have only conceded five goals and scored 12, so they're in a good place and to go to Sligo on a Saturday and pick up a late goal will do their confidence a world of good and they'll be flying high going into this."

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Given the nature of derbies, Gartland added that whoever can seize the moment will likely decide which way the bragging rights go in what he predicts will be a "cracker of a game".

But amid the hectic intensity, he also put the spotlight on the tactical flashpoints that are likely to underpin both sides' performances.

"I think with Rovers playing their 3-5-2 and with the two up