League of Ireland preview: Shels and Bohs begin double date

Shelbourne and Bohemians begin the first of two games inside the next week, with plenty riding on the League of Ireland Premier Division clash at Tolka Park.

Next week brings a FAI Cup date in Dalymount Park but this game has a huge bearing in the race to break into the top four.

It is one of two matches in hand on the teams currently in those positions, with Bohs able to overtake Dundalk if they avoid defeat.

Damien Duff's side can make it successive wins after their 4-0 success in UCD last week.

Matty Smith is closing in on a return to action but this game comes too soon. Tyreke Wilson returns after missing the game in Belfield.

Duff said: "In a Dublin derby, every fan may have their own favourite fixture, but I sense that this particular match is big for our fans. The players have been on it in almost every game against Bohs since I’ve come here, they have consistently stepped up over the past 18 months, even in games we lost at Dalyer, they showed fight.

"I expect more of the same tonight. We had a good performance against UCD, but listen, we know we’ll need to up that level again and play even better than we did last week.

"I sometimes think people can put too much stock on form, going into a Dublin derby, so much at stake, regardless of what happens, the last game, bad or good, doesn’t mean anything under the lights at 7:45pm.

"It’s an isolated game, a proper derby. Rivalry is there, a big match in the context of the league, a special one to be involved in, it means a lot to a lot of people."

Bohs announced the signing of Danny Grant last night - a major addition to their squad after his spell in England.

Declan Devine has hailed it as a major lift for the club: "I have been in constant contact with Danny for several months,