Former Derry City favourite, Ken Oman, has been ruled out with a knee ligament strain while first choice right back Mark Rossiter also remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, long-serving Bohs skipper Kevin Hunt has announced his immediate retirement from professional football after 10 years at Dalymount Park, citing family commitments for his decision to quit.
Midfielder Glenn Cronin is also expected to be ruled out of tonight's game while striker Jason Byrne is doubtful having missed the last few games due to a thigh complaint.

However, Pat Fenlon's side have been boosted by the return of John Paul Kelly and ex-Derry City winger Killian Brennan after the pair sat out their midweek league win over Bray Wanderers due to suspension.

Brennan will make his first return to the Brandywell since his move to Dublin and he will no doubt be singled out as the dangerman as Bohemians attempt to exploit any weaknesses in the 'Candy Stripes' defence.

Indeed, Derry boss Stephen Kenny will be forced to reshuffle his defensive line-up as Clive Delaney misses the game through suspension and Mark McChrystal and Kevin Deery face late fitness tests.

Kenny believes his side has the quality to test Bohemians' defensive resilience.

"Killian (Brennan) was a great player for Derry. But he's with Bohs now and we have some excellent players here making their names for themselves.

"Niall McGinn has been turning it on for us and Thomas Stewart had a good debut last week while Mark Farren is back to his best. Owen Morrison is also back in the squad so we have a few attacking options.

We have a bit of pace in attack and can exploit any defence with that kind of pace and that's our intention.

"Bohemians are coming here as title favourites, they've had seven wins on the bounce in the league and that's formidable form. We beat them 4-1 the week before last in the League Cup and they've dismissed it as being not as important as the league so this is a chance to put in another great performance.

"Bohs are a great side and, with players like Jason Byrne, Owen Heary and Killian Brennan, we can expect a great match. We've scored eight goals in our last two home games. Some players are finding a bit of form and it will certainly be a match to get excited about. It'll be a tough game but we must believe in ourselves.

"We will need to maintain the level of play that we have shown ourselves to be capable of in recent weeks and, hopefully, we will finish up with another home victory and the three points."

Kenny believes that his players can take confidence from their emphatic win over Bohemians in the League Cup and last Friday night's impressive league win over Bray and a win tonight would open up the race for the Premier Division title.

"We have a lot to play for this season even if we were to lose this game," said Kenny. "But if we can win it will really open the league up and that's the exciting part.

"We can take a lot from the league cup game it was a great win. I think Bohs will be especially determined but we must believe in ourselves and do what we can to get that victory."

Meanwhile former Derry City manager Pat Fenlon is hoping to extend the 'Gyspies' seven match winning streak in the league and at the very least secure a share of the spoils as they attempt to close the gap on current leaders St Patrick's Athletic.

"We have a stronger side travelling to Derry than the one that was defeated in the League Cup game but we must play to the best of our ability and if we can do that then we could secure at least a draw from what is a very difficult venue.

"We worked very hard on our preparation for this game during the week. It goes without saying that everyone in the team must play to their potential at the Brandywell."