League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Bohemians

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic host Bohemians on at Richmond Park on Friday night, in the first meeting between the sides since the Saints emerged victorious in the FAI Cup Final last November.

The FAI Cup champions got their season off to a winner when they travelled to Galway last weekend.

It was a fairly dour affair in tough conditions but an early Jamie Lennon goal meant that Jon Daly’s side went back to Dublin with a narrow but important three points to kick off their season.

"I think Bohs will be similar to last year in the sense that they're very good in transitions,” manager Jon Daly said, speaking to the club’s website.

“They've obviously lost Afolabi and replaced him with Reinkort, who looks like he can finish and hold the ball up.

“I think it's going to be a tough game, and the atmosphere is going to be through the roof.

“It's going to be a good one to be involved in and one we're very much looking forward to."

In team news, Tom Grivosti continues his recovery from injury. In other news, the Saints have added to their squad this past week with Kieran Freeman joining the club from Dundee United on Wednesday.

BOHEMIANS

The Gypsies will travel to Richmond Park hoping to build on their positive start to the season which saw them draw with Sligo Rovers.

New signing Sten Reinkort opened the scoring in the fifth minute for Declan Devine’s side but two goals from the visitors had them on the backfoot.

James Clarke capped an impressive performance with a late injury time goal, however, giving Bohemians a point on the opening day of the season.

There was some bad news for Bohemians though, the returning Rob Cornwall was taken off after just a half an hour with what has now been confirmed to be an ACL tear.

Although that bad news adds to the experienced players unavailable to Declan Devine, with Keith Buckley also out long term – the side have been busy in the transfer marker.

Bohs have confirmed no less than four deals in the last few days with Filip Piszczek joining on a multi-year deal, and American Aboubacar Keita joining on a season long loan from Colorado Rapids.

Also joining on loan deals until midway through the season are Jevon Mills from Hull and Luke Matheson.

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

St Pat’s haven’t beaten Bohs at home in the Premier Division since the end of the 2022 season.

The Saints are unbeaten in four games against Bohemians in all competitions.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic EVS; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 23/10.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2–1 Bohemians

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Tom Grivosti.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.