League Preview: Bohemians -v- Galway United

BOHEMIANS FC

Galway United travel to Dalymount Park in their first away trip of the 2015 SSE Airtricity Premier Division where they meet an already inform Bohemians FC side. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Keith Long’s side easily overcame Limerick 0-3 in their league opener and eased past Athlone Town on the same scoreline at home in the EA Sports Cup last Tuesday night.

Long made nine changes for the Athlone game, and so, it’s expected he will revert to the same starting XI that routed Limerick at Jackman Park. With six goals scored and none conceded Bohs will be in a confident mood come Friday night.

In team news, Dan Byrne and Dave Mulcahy are ruled out through injury and The Gypsies welcome back their suspended trio of Stephen Best, James O’Brien and Conor Murphy.

Speaking to the club’s website, Long knows Galway will be no easy test, but he is calling on his own players to make Dalymount a fortress of sorts this season.

“We want to put in a good, positive performance in front of our supporters, get our season started in Dalymount on the right note, and hopefully send the supporters home happy with three points.”

GALWAY UNITED

United’s long-awaited and hailed return to the Premier Division was hit with a swift dose of reality as Derry City came from behind to nab all three points in 1-2 win.

The first-half belonged to the home side as they dominated possession but the visitors showed their experience to close out the game, even though they scored two relatively fortunate goals. Misfortune aside, United know they showed a lack of composure when it was needed.

A 3-2 win over Finn Harps in the EA Sports Cup last Monday night got the Tribesmen off the mark in terms of an early season victory. Anything less than a win, and nerves would possibly have continued into Friday’s game.

In team news Tommy Dunne has a number of players on the treatment table. Long-term absentees Killian Cantwell and Ger Hanley are still out, while Sam Oji, David O’Leary and Marc Ludden will be assessed closer to kick off time.

Speaking to galwaunitedfc.ie, Dunne is looking forward to Friday’s game, and while The Tribesmen fear no one, Dunne knows Galway need to stop making needless errors in defence.

"We need to stop giving away cheap goals and we've got to learn that quickly. In the Premier Division you need to be getting points when they're available. We'll be ready for Friday night's game."

Referee:Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

Bohs are undefeated in their last five fixtures in all competitions

Keith Long’s first goal in the League of Ireland was scored at the old Terryland Park in 1995.

Galway United visits Dalymount Park for the first time in four years.

BETTING

Bohemians 5/6; Draw 9/4; Galway United 10/3

PREDICTION

Bohs 2-0 Galway United

Bohemians

Injured: Dan Byrne, Dave Mulcahy

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Galway United FC

Injured: Killian Cantwell, Ger Hanley.

Doubtful:Sam Oji, David O’Leary, Marc Ludden.

Suspended:None