League Preview: Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

Looking to end their league campaign on a high at least, Bohemians will surely be hoping to finish with a bang when they host league winners Dundalk at Dalymount Park. (Kick-Off is at 7.45pm)

In the lead up to this game at least, there has been plenty of noise coming from the Dalymount Park outfit off the pitch. From their cunning marketing ploy of their new away strip for the 2019 season coupled with the extension of Keith Long’s contract, it has been an eventful few days for the Gypsies.

Speaking upon the completion of his new deal at the club which will keep the former Bray Wanderers and Athlone Town coach until the end of the 2021 season at Dalymount Park, Long noted that it was an easy decision to stay on Dublin’s northside.

“I’m delighted to commit my future to the club. I think we’re a club going in the right direction.

“The connection between the players, supporters, staff and everyone involved is really strong.

“For me there was never any desire to be anywhere else other than here. I want to build upon the work we’ve started.

“The club are doing a lot of things right off the field and on the field, we can see some progression and lots of potential. I’m excited about the young players we have at the club that we’ve built up and brought through.

“Our culture is rich, and our identity is clear. We’re not just a first team. There’s a lot going on in at the club with the community between the Foundation and the More Than A Club Project. With the players we’re brought through ourselves and now with our link-up with St Kevin’s, there is an awful lot to be positive about.

“We’re a big club and I want to bring success back to Dalymount. We want more nights like the semi-final of the cup here in Dalymount. We want big games, big occasions and big crowds.”

In terms of team news for Bohs, Ryan Swan and Ryan Masterson will miss out due to long-term injuries.

DUNDALK

Having won their title coronation clash last week against Sligo Rovers by an emphatic five goals, Dundalk will be looking to finish off their season with a performance of sorts as they prepare for next weekend’s FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium.

It has been a wonderful season on the field for the Lilywhites. Records have been broken, personal accolades have been won and there has been plenty of calls for some of their star men to get an international call-up.

One man who has certainly stepped up to the plate is central defender Sean Hoare who recently sat down with dundalkfc.com to reflect on his year gone by as the former St Patrick’s Athletic star looks ahead to a tough encounter against the Gypsies on Friday evening. 

“It felt like it was a long time coming.” Hoare said.

“We celebrated the league two weeks ago when we won it against Pat’s. It was a great feeling to finally get our hands on the trophy.

“We really started off well on Friday. Our aim was to get the points total and we already had got our goal record but we wanted to go further and add to that as well. It was good to get those and we wanted to keep our momentum going so it was great to do that.

“We have the FAI Cup to come as well and we can’t be flat until the final so we have to keep our standards up and everyone is fighting for a spot in the final which is driving up competition.

“It is why I came here – to win trophies and have league medals. It is a step in the right direction and hopefully it is the first of many. I have come here to win things and it has been a great season. We want to win more.”

In terms of team news for Stephen Kenny’s Lilywhites, Robbie Benson and Karolis Chvedukas both miss out with injuries.

Referee: Robert Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians last win over Dundalk at Dalymount Park was all the way back in 2012. The Gypsies won 2-1 on that occasion as an Evan McMillan brace set the Dublin northside outfit on their way to a big win in Phibsborough.

Bohs have only lost once at home since their three-nil humbling at home to Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park. That instance came in the 3-1 defeat to Waterford as a youthful, yet exciting Gypsies took to the field prior to the cup semi-final replay away to Cork City.

Dundalk have won their last six games on the road since their 1-0 defeat away to Cobh Ramblers in the EA Sports Cup Semi-Final at St Colman’s Parkas the Lilywhites strolled to another Premier Division league title success. 

BETTING

Bohemians 4/1; Draw 16/5; Dundalk 4/7.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-2 Dundalk

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Masterson, Ryan Swan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk FC

Injured: Robbie Benson, Karolis Chvedukas.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Suspended: None.