League Preview: Dundalk -v- Bohemians

DUNDALK 

Noel King begins his reign as Dundalk manager on Friday when they host Bohemians at Oriel Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

King’s arrival caught many by surprise last weekend but he is committed to keeping the struggling Lilywhites up in the top-flight. 

His side are currently without a win this season and are set to be without Ciaran McGuckin and Robbie Mahon against Bohs through injury. 

Jamie Gullan and Mayowa Anamisahun are doubts.

“It’ll be a tough game but every game in this league is tough at the minute,” King stressed. 

“Alan Reynolds has done a good job since he went in at Bohemians. I know him well and all of his teams, certainly if they represent him, will be tough and will be strong.

“People can say anything, that Dundalk are a great team who’ll play their way out of it, but it’s difficult when you’re bottom of the league. We’re adrift at the minute and certain things can get into people’s heads that can be a problem. 

“It’s not a given that we’ll just escape and I think that’s why a change has been made and that’s why I’m here.

“We have 25 matches to play, there is a window still to come and a chance to get players in and out, so there is everything to play for, starting on Friday night.”

BOHEMIANS 

Alan Reynolds has called on his Bohemians side to change their mentality after a strong start to his time in charge. 

The former Waterford assistant boss has overseen Bohs’ rise to fourth in the table and they are just three points off league leaders Shelbourne.

“I want to change the mentality into winners,” Reynolds told the Irish Sun last weekend. 

“Now in saying that I want us to be better, so I suppose you get that side of it right first and you’re then saying ‘right, come on we need to entertain the fans a bit more’

“In fairness to the fans they did their band we did ours by winning but that’s it.

“We are obviously talking about how to attack and we’re taking pride in that. But listen, the big one is, we’re now four wins out of five so can’t ask for too much more.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy. 

PREDICTION 

Dundalk 1-1 Bohemians 

Dundalk

Injured: Ciaran McGuckin, Robbie Mahon.

Doubtful: Mayowa Animasahun, Jamie Gullan. 

Suspended: None. 

Bohemians

Injured: Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley. 

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.