League Preview: Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

Bohs will be looking to build on last Sunday’s win away to Cork City when they welcome Dundalk to Dalymount Park on Friday. (Live coverage on WATCHLOI from 5:45pm).

Keith Long’s men looked solid before the break, conceding just three goals from their first five games before lockdown.

The Gypsies continued their resilient nature with last Sunday’s 1-0 win at Turners Cross, picking up another clean sheet in the process.

Andre Wright scored the winner for Long’s side last weekend and he’ll need to play a massive part if Bohs are to upset the champions this Friday.

At the time of uploading Bohemians hadn’t issued any team news.

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be hoping to close the five point gap on Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers when they travel to the capital on Friday evening.

Vinny Perth’s side come into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park.

By dropping two points Dundalk gave the Hoops a chance to increase their lead at the top of the table, which they did by beating Finn Harps 3-1 at Tallaght last Saturday.

The St Pat’s game was the first competitive one the Lilywhites had to play behind closed doors and Dundalk winger Daniel Kelly admitted that when playing at home it can be difficult without the fans.

“Playing at home in this league is huge, especially at Oriel Park because the fans really get behind you when you need to kick on,” the ex-Bohs man told dundalkfc.com.

However, playing behind closed doors may play into the hands of Dundalk this week as the Bohs faithful often provide a hostile atmosphere.

“Bohs are reliant on their fans as well and Dalymount is nearly always full so the fact their fans aren’t going to be there tomorrow might suit us a little bit better.”

Dundalk will be without Patrick McEleney for the trip to Dublin after he picked up a groin strain in last Friday night’s draw with Pat’s.

Sean Murray, Sean Hoare and Darragh Leahy are all back in training, but are unlikely to feature on Friday.

However, one bonus for Vinny Perth will be the return to fitness of Brian Gartland who is available after injury.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Dundalk last failed to win back-to-back league games last October when a defeat away to Cork was followed up by a loss in Dalymount Park a week later.

Bohs are looking for their third successive home league win after beating Shels and Sligo at Dalymount prior to the break.

The Gypsies (3) have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Premier Division this season.

BETTING

Bohemians 16/5; Draw 2/1; Dundalk 10/11.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 0-1 Dundalk

Bohemians

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Patrick McEleney.

Doubtful: Sean Hoare, Sean Murray, Darragh Leahy.

Suspended: None.