League Preview: Bohemians -v- Drogheda United
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BOHEMIANS
The top two sides in the league will go head to head at Dalymount Park on Friday night as Bohemians entertain Drogheda United (Kick-off 7.45pm).
The Gypsies have had an excellent start to the season following consecutive 3-0 victories over UCD in both the league and the EA Sports Cup.
Bohemians manager Owen Heary made nine changes for Monday’s EA Sports Cup victory, highlighting the quality and depth of the squad at his disposal.
The Dublin side are hopeful that captain Dave Mulcahy will pass a late fitness test as the quartet of Anto Murphy, Karl Moore, Andy Mulligan and Lee Whelan have all been ruled out due to injury.
Having only recorded four home wins in the league last year, Heary is eager to make Dalymount Park a fortress this season, starting on Friday night.
“It’s our first home game and we want to give a good account of ourselves and get the crowd behind us. If the performance matches what we’ve done over the last couple of weeks, the people will keep coming and they’ll enjoy the matches.
“Drogheda winning last week is a good incentive to us to go at them, and take the game to them. We’ve shown we can limit our opponents’ scoring chances, and we are creating chances ourselves. We’re getting into the box, we’re getting crosses in, we’re getting goals and we aim to continue that.”
DROGHEDA UNITED
The Louth side sit proudly on top of the table following their 4-1 demolition of local rivals Dundalk which was followed up with a 3-1 victory after extra time over Crumlin United in the EA Sports Cup.
The extra 30 minutes of football has taken its toll on the United side as both strikers Gary O’Neill and Declan O’Brien picked up knocks during the game and are rated as doubtful for Friday’s clash.
Drogheda manager Robbie Horgan was dealt a further blow during the week as Gavin Brennan was handed a two game suspension while Phillip Hughes will be suspended for the next three fixtures following their dismissals on the opening night of the season.
Speaking ahead of the game, Horgan underlined the quality of the Bohemians side and that the visitors will have to be at their best to leave Dublin with a positive result.
“Bohemians are doing very well under Owen Heary. I watched them beat Bray Wanderers 5-1 in the Leinster Senior Cup and I felt they were a well-drilled, organised side. They have an excellent balance of youth and experience that I am sure will serve them well over the course of the season.
“It’s a top of the table clash, probably didn’t think I would be saying that after game week one but that’s what it is and I’m confident we can leave with a result.”
Referee: David McKeon
MATCH STATS
Drogheda defeated Bohemians 1-0 at United Park in the final game of last season.
Bohemians have already scored 11 goals in only three competitive games this term.
Declan O’Brien is one strike away from 100 league goals for the Boynesiders.
BETTING
Bohemians 5/4, Draw 11/5, Drogheda United 21/10
PREDICTION
Although both sides are missing key players, the potential absence of both Gary O’Neill and Declan O’Brien should give Bohemians the edge, 2-1 home win.
Bohemians
Injured: Anto Murphy, Karl Moore, Andy Mulligan, Lee Whelan
Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy
Suspended: None
Drogheda United
Injured: Michéal Schlingermann
Doubtful: Declan O’Brien, Gary O’Neill
Suspended: Phillip Hughes, Gavin Brennan
