League Preview: Dundalk -v- Bohemians

Alessio Abibi of Dundalk FC watches as the ball goes into the net in their game against Shamrock Rovers.

Alessio Abibi of Dundalk FC watches as the ball goes into the net in their game against Shamrock Rovers. Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

DUNDALK

Shane Keegan’s team are in desperate need of three points after their defeat to Shamrock Rovers last Friday means they remain on one point and perilously close to the bottom of the league. 

Dundalk fell behind to a goal from Danny Mandroiu who scored for Shamrock Rovers with ten minutes remaining in the first half. 

The Hoops scored another with a quarter of an hour remaining and despite a late Patrick Hoban goal for the Lilywhites it was Rovers who deservedly took the three points.  

This defeat is Dundalk’s second in three league matches, however, First Team Coach Filippo Giovagnoli remained positive when speaking to the club's media team.

“We were expecting to have more points but it didn’t happen so we have to keep our heads up, keep going to work and do our jobs. We feel that our time is coming.”

Giovagnoli is prepared for a difficult game despite Bohemians own early season struggles. 

“We’re expecting a war against Bohemians because they have had a bad start and we have also had a bad start. Both teams will want to win the game badly. They will come here to fight and we know that so we’re expecting a really difficult game which is nothing different because everyone wants to perform well against a club like Dundalk.”

The Lilywhites will be without Brian Gartland after he suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2-1 loss to Shamrock Rovers last week while Daniel Kelly and Sean Murray are also out.  Sonni Nattestad, who is currently locked up in a quarantine hotel after returning from international duty with the Faroe Islands, is suspended but Patrick McEleney is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.

BOHEMIANS



Bohemians travel to Oriel Park after a disappointing defeat last Saturday against their Dublin rivals, St Patrick’s Athletic at Dalymount Park.

Ronan Coughlan scored the only goal of the game in the second half as St Pats beat the Gypsies for the first time in 10 games. 

Bohemians defender Andy Lyons spoke to the club’s media team about the team’s poor start to the season and the difficult task he expects on Friday night.

“We have got to dust ourselves down and get ready for this game. They are a great team and they were unlucky not to get any points against Rovers last week. We have got to be ready for it and we are looking forward to it.”

Bohs midfielder Keith Ward was also aware of the tough task that Dundalk would present:

“We are disappointed with our performances as well, not only our results. Going to Dundalk this weekend, they are a top side. They have been a brilliant team for the last five to ten years nearly.”



The Gypsies have lost two of their three league games so far this season but they have a chance on Friday to get their season back on track as they currently sit in 9th position, one place behind Dundalk on the same disappointing point tally of one. 

Referee: Rob Harvey 

MATCH STATS

Their league encounters last season saw the teams draw 0-0 at Oriel Park and Bohemians win at Dalymount Park 2-1.

Dundalk beat Bohs last season 4-1 in the FAI Cup quarter-finals. 

Dundalk are looking to beat Bohemians in the league for the first time since May 2019.

BETTING

Dundalk 17/20; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 3/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1 - 0 Bohemians

Dundalk

Injured: Brian Gartland (ACL tear), Daniel Kelly, Sean Murray.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sonni Nattestad.

Bohemians

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

 

    About Paul Walsh

    Paul Walsh is a contributor to Bohemians' matchday programme and first wrote for Extratime.ie in 2011 View Full Profile