League Preview: Dundalk -v- Bohemians

DUNDALK

Dundalk and Bohemians will be sick of the sight of each other after they come face-to-face in the SSE Airtricity League for the third time in just over a month at Oriel Park on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites defeated Bohs in the previous two encounters, the first of which laid the foundation for an eight-match unbeaten run which has seen them bridge a 13-point gap at the top of the table.

On Friday night, Vinny Perth’s side recorded a seventh league win from eight thanks to goals from Dean Jarvis and John Mountney, which saw them comfortably beat Cork City 2-0 at Turners Cross.

“It was a good win for us on Friday,” goalkeeper Gary Rogers told the club’s media team.

“We played well when we needed to and it is always a difficult game in Cork. We knew that going down there but the early goal helped

“We go into each game to win every game and it was an important win for us at Turner’s Cross. They are a good side but we are pleased with the win and the performance.

“We have had a good few weeks. We have started to get back to ourselves and we have been on a good run at the moment.

“We know we have to keep that going and we have had players come back into the team. It has been a good few weeks for us, we have put the wins together and we are happy with how we are playing.

“We will never get an easy game against Bohemians. They have shown their ability all season and they have had a great season to date.

“We played them last week so we know what to expect but hopefully we can keep our good form going, keep up our performances and get the result that we want.”

Mountney was sent off in the win over Cork so will miss out through suspension but Sean Hoare returns to the fold. Robbie Benson and Jamie McGrath are out while Daniel Kelly is to be assessed.

BOHEMIANS

Having failed to win in their last three matches, third-place Bohemians will be desperate to get a result at Oriel Park to prevent leaders Dundalk from increasing their six-point lead on the Gypsies.

After losing their last two home fixtures against Cork City and Dundalk respectively, Keith Long’s side at least stopped the rot on Friday night thanks to a 1-1 draw against St Patrick’s Athletic in Inchicore.

Daniel Mandroiu – who has been excellent this season and was outstanding the last time Bohs visited Oriel – equalised through a superb free-kick after Darragh Markey had given St Pats the lead.

Rob Cornwall and Keith Ward both missed that match through injury but it is not yet known if they will be available for this encounter, but Cristian Magerusan still remains a definite absentee for Bohs.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

MATCH FACTS

One of the League of Ireland oldest fixtures, this will be 198th league meeting between Dundalk and Bohemians. The record currently stands at 70 wins each, while there has been a total of 57 draws.

Gary Rogers of Dundalk is expected to make his 546th career league appearance in this match. Only two players – Al Finucane (634) and Owen Heary (565) – have played more League of Ireland games.

Three players in the current Bohemians squad have previously played for Dundalk. Sam Byrne spent last season with the Lilywhites, while Keith Ward and Derek Pender have also had spells at Oriel Park.

Daniel Kelly is the only Dundalk player to have donned a Bohemians shirt when he did so in 2018.

BETTING

Dundalk 1/2; Draw 14/5; Bohemians 13/2

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2-1 Bohemians

Dundalk

Injured: Jamie McGrath, Robbie Benson.

Doubtful: Daniel Kelly.

Suspended: John Mountney.

Bohemians

Injured: Cristian Magerusan.

Doubtful: Rob Cornwall, Keith Ward.

Suspended: None.