EA Sports Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Longford Town

BOHEMIANS

The home side will be disappointed with their start from a defensive point of view, conceding eight goals in their first four league games. Last season at this point they had three clean sheets. They will hope to get back to last season's form sooner rather than later.

Last season Keith Long used the EA Sports Cup to give a few of his squad players some game time. The players on the edge of the first team football will hope to impress their manager and force their way into the first team if they play this evening. Although Long hinted he might not rest players, when speaking to bohemianfc.com, “This is a competition we want to progress and do well in, so it’s important we don’t lose sight of that either.”

Ismahail Akinade returns from suspension, however he will face tough competition for a spot following very strong performances from Kurtis Byrne and Mark Quigley last Friday. This will be a tough decision for the Bohemians manager for the rest of the season if they all remain fit.

Ayman Ben Mohamed, who played for Longford Town last season, has started his time at Bohemians brightly. He was easily the best player with the ball at his feet last Friday when The Gypsies hosted Wexford Youths.

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford have also conceded eight goals in four games, six of those conceded against Cork City. Scoring less than one goal per game so far is a record that Town will hope to improve on this evening.

Longford drew on Friday night at home to Bray and will hope to build on that following back to back losses to Cork and St. Pat's. Longford received a bye in the first round of last years competition but were knocked out by tonight's opponents in the second round.

Longford could do with a good cup run this season as it looks like they will be dragged into the relegation battle again. Tonight's hosts will hope not to join them.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Last year Bohemians beat Longford Town 3-1 in the second round of the EA Sports Cup. An early goal from Ayman Ben Mohamed was more than cancelled out by goals from Jason Byrne, James O'Brien and Kealon Dillon, sending the Gypsies through to the third round.

In 2014 Longford lost to tonight's hosts at home 2-0, both goals score by Dinny Corcoran.

Bohemians have won the cup on three occasions, most recently in 2009 while Longford have only won on one occasion in 2004.

BETTING

Bohemians 8/11; Draw 5/2; Longford Town 3/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-2 Longford Town

Bohemian FC

Injured: Eoin Wearen, Kurtis Byrne.

Doubtful: Anto Murphy.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.