Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians entertain Dundalk at Dalymount Park on Friday evening looking to secure their second home win of the season. Their only other home victory came against UCD on the first day of the season.

The Gypsies will be disappointed not to have taken anything from Thomond Park on Tuesday evening after leading 1-0 and playing against ten men for the majority of the second half. An injury time Dave O’Leary goal was enough to give the Munster side the most unlikely of victories.

“It was tough to be in the dressing room”, said manager Aaron Callaghan after Tuesday’s defeat. “The lads know themselves they should have got something out of the game.”

 “I thought we dominated that game and were much the better side but sometimes the lie of the land just isn’t with you. It’s a cruel game. We were pegged back with another goal of the season contender [as with the first goal of the game against Derry City],” said Callaghan.

Midfielder Shane Murray made his first league start of the season, and his display was one of many promising performances from the young Dublin side. “I know this is a results-based industry. But I judge our games on the performances. I believe if you get the performances right, by and large the results will follow.”

Striker Chris Lyons returns from the ankle injury he picked up against Shamrock Rovers a month ago. Lyons had looked very impressive in the opening few games, scoring against UCD.

With the introduction of young players such as Murray and Michael Barker, Callaghan understands that getting the young side mentally prepared for the coming months. “Seventy per cent of the game can be in your mind, and we have to address that,” said Callaghan. “One good thing about Tuesday’s game was that we probably had more chances than in any other this season. We changed the system a little to get more players forward, and I felt it worked.”

DUNDALK

The Lilywhites will be looking to bounce back from last Friday’s defeat to Derry at Oriel Park. Similar to Bohs, they had taken the lead in the game but failed to build on that advantage, before eventually losing 3-1.

Manager Stephen Kenny was disappointed with the manner of last week’s defeat “We’re still very disappointed with last week’s result. The phantom penalty given to Derry City changed the game. We were well on top in the game until then and we’re disappointed that with the way it happened. We didn’t play well second half and we have to accept that.”

Defender Andy Boyle believes the Lilywhites are on the right track this season. “The first half an hour against Derry City is as good as we’ve played and we have a solid points total so it’s still positive. It would have been good to win and to have played better in the second half but we have to pick ourselves up and keep going

Visits to Dublin have been very profitable for Dundalk this season, they will be looking to continue their 100% record away from Oriel Park,  winning against Shelbourne, St. Pats and UCD.

Kenny is aware of the threat posed by a young, fit Bohemians side, “Bohemians in Dalymount is always a tough match. It is always a tough place to go. They’re a good side and it won’t be easy but we travel to Dublin with confidence and looking to win.”

The only absentee for Kenny is Stephen McDonnell who misses the trip down the M1 with an ankle ligament injury.

Referee: Tom Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Bohs picked up 7 out of a possible 9 points against Dundalk last season.

Dundalk have a 100% away record this season, with all their wins coming in Dublin and both teams scoring in each of the victories.

Dundalk have scored 13 league goals this season, compared to Bohs’ 5.

BETTING

Bohemians 17/10, Draw 21/10, Dundalk 8/5.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-1 Dundalk - the visitors to see their clean sweep of Dublin come to an end.

Bohemians

Injured: Owen Heary.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen McDonnell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.