Drogheda United -v- Bohemians

DROGHEDA UNITED

It’s the second last game of the season for Drogheda and the Boynesiders will be all out for a win, a boost ahead of November 3^rd’s FAI Cup Final.

Drogheda come in to the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat against their cup opponents Sligo Rovers, although that performance will have no bearing to the one Drogheda should produce in the Aviva.

Mick Cooke’s team last won in the league back at the end of August when they beat Bray Wanderers 2-0 at Hunky Dorys Park, since then they have gone seven league games without a victory.

Mick Cooke has a few injury doubts ahead of the game, Paul O’Conor, Derek Prendergast and David Cassidy are all doubts, Alan Byrne will be available once again.

Mick Cooke has said that the game against Bohs is the last chance for several of his players to stake a claim in the cup-final squad.

“It's the last chance for a few players to prove that they should be in the cup final squad, I've been tinkering with the team the last few weeks and tomorrow i'll be having a last look at the team. ”

Obviously it's the last league game of the season and it's always a bit of an occasion. It's a game I certainly want to win, I want a win under our belt heading into the cup final,” he added.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians know they need at least a draw to secure their Premier Division status for 2014. They Gypsies have a two point lead over both UCD and Bray and should those two teams win and Bohs fail to take anything from Hunky Dorys Park then they will face the winner of the Longford and Mervue play-off.

Bohs had the chance to secure their survival, but in losing to Bray last week they helped relegate Shelbourne wile prolonging their own search for safety.

“We have to look after our own game first. We have to go up there and do the business,” said Bohemian manager Bobby Browne.

“We have to look to get the point we need. Football can kick you when you’re down and the other games could go against us.”

Browne and assistant Owen Heary hope to have Anto Murphy (recovered from ulcer) and Dave Mulcahy (recovered from ankle injury) available for Friday. The two have been training but are subject to late fitness tests.

“It would be a big plus to have them both on the park in terms of experience and know-how and encouraging the young players,” said Browne.

With or without these two experienced players Bohemians may make some changes to their line-up, aiming to inject greater urgency into their play.

“We have a lot of players in the squad who have not had the experience of a relegation battle. We have to give them as much support as possible,” said Browne. “But when they cross that white line they have to motivate themselves.

Referee: David McKeon.

MATCH STATS

The teams have met three times this year, two draws in the league and a Drogheda win in the cup being the result.

Owen Heary could make his last ever LOI appearance during the game

BETTING

Drogheda United 17/10, Draw 11/5, Bohemians 6/4

PREDICTION

A draw would be enough for Bohs, 1-1

Drogheda United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: David Cassidy, Paul O’Conor, Derek Prendergast
Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: None
Doubtful: Anto Murphy, Dave Mulcahy.
Suspended: None.