League Preview: Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

It’s a top of the table clash in Dalymount Park on Tuesday night: Bohemians go into this game on top of the pile with nine points from nine so far, but their next opponents – current league Champions and second placed Dundalk – may prove a tougher nut to crack.

Indeed their momentum will be fully tested, as this game comes just three days after their third round win over Galway United and is sandwiched in between a Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers on Friday.  

Bohemians manager Keith Long welcomed this challenge in light of the fact he ‘couldn’t be happier’ with his team’s start. Speaking earlier today ahead of yet another big game for his side, he spoke of how he viewed this week’s fixtures as “a big challenge but also a great opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the best players in the league”.

Long was full of praise for his team’s defensive efforts and identified this as a key to their success so far: “You build from the back, that’s the foundation of what we do, so we’re really pleased not to have conceded a goal as yet in the league”.

Dave Mulcahy is out of contention with a calf injury and joins Dan Byrne on the injury list but other than that it’s a clean bill of health for Keith Long’s men.

DUNDALK

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was delighted with his side’s 3-0 victory over St Patricks Athletic on Friday, but is adamant that his Dundalk side will not get carried away. Dundalk took the lead through a Brian Gartland header, but two red cards for Conor McCormack and Killian Brennan may have sealed the points for Dundalk however a brace from striker David McMillian’s will also be encouraging for Stephen Kenny.

Kenny warned after that game, that his team will face a ‘sterner test’ against an in-form Bohemians team and his troops are echoing his stance. Captain Andy Boyle spoke to dundalkfc.com and remarked that; “It’s a big week for us. We said that before the game the other night and to get three points first off was a good start for us. We have Bohemians up next and they have had a great start as well so we know that will be another difficult game, but we’re looking forward to it.”

If Dundalk take the spoils here it will be their best start to a league campaign since the 1987/89 campaign, a season which cumulated in their eight league title. Like Bohemians, their defence have been miserly in the league so far, with three clean sheets from three games. The defensive battles will be of great interest in this match.

The only player unavailable for the Lilywhites is Stephen O’ Donnell who is expected to return in the next few weeks.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

Dundalk picked up seven points from a possible nine against Bohemians in the last two league campaigns.

Dundalk’s last lifted the FAI Cup in an enthralling 2-1 win over Bohemians at the end of the 2001/02 season. The same year they were relegated to the First Division for the first time.

There hasn’t been a goalless match in the league between these two sides in 17 years.

BETTING

Bohemians 18/5; Draw 9/4; Away 20/23.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 0-1 Dundalk FC

Bohemians

Injured: Dan Byrne (cruciate), Dave Mulcahy (calf).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Away Team

Injured: Stephen O’ Donnell (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.