Leinster Senior Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

Bohs manager Keith Long will be looking to get his stuttering Gypsies back on track when they entertain defending Leinster Senior Cup champions Dundalk in Dalymount Park on Monday night.

Having lost three of their opening six league matches, Long will be keen to get an early season cup run together to atone for their underwhelming start to the Premier Division.

Recent signing Ayman Ben Mohamed was very influential in last Friday night’s 2-0 victory over Longford Town, contributing a goal and an assist in a facile victory.

Ben Mohamed, along with other key first-team players such as former Dundalk player Kurtis Byrne and Roberto Lopes, are expected to be rested with several squad and youth team players featuring instead.

Bohs have already won in cup competition this season, having won in the EA Sports Cup. Derek Prendergast and Jake Kelly were among the scorers as they defeated Longford Town two weeks ago by three goals to one.

DUNDALK

Dundalk failed to build upon their ardent victory over St. Patrick’s Athletic by dropping two valuable points in Friday’s league encounter with Derry City at Oriel Park.

David McMillan gave the Lilywhites the lead after four minutes, however, Barry McNamee’s second half leveller meant that both sides shared the spoils.

Dundalk added the Leinster Senior Cup to their repertoire of trophies gained under Stephen Kenny last season with a final victory over Shamrock Rovers. They began their assault on this season’s competition intently with Patrick McEleney staring in their 2-0 win over Shelbourne in February.

Chris Shields, who was sent-off during Friday’s match, will be available as his suspension doesn’t start until next weekend.

Like Bohemians though, the Lilywhites are likely to rest several of their key players. Georgie Poynton and the O’Connor brothers, Ciaran and Michael, are likely to feature in what is expected to be a youthful line-up.

Referee: TBA.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians hold the record for the most Leinster Senior Cup titles. Their 31 titles put them eleven ahead of North Dublin rivals Shelbourne. However, their last title came 18 years ago.

Bohemians striker Kurtis Byrne scored two for Dundalk in their 3-1 victory in the final of last year’s LSC.

Dundalk’s only league defeat in 2015 came against the Gypsies last June. A late Dave Mulcahy goal inflicted defeat upon Stephen Kenny’s men in the match played at Oriel Park.

BETTING

N/A.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-2 Dundalk FC

Bohemians

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspension: None.

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Patrick McEleney.

Suspension: None.