Bohemians -v- Dundalk

BOHEMIANS

The north Dublin side recovered well from their European nightmare in Iceland three weeks ago with a solid victory over UCD, making it seven points from their last three league games.

Despite a fiercely disappointing result against Thór in the Europa League qualifiers, Aaron Callaghan has a lot of reasons to be happy with his young Bohemians team. "Apart from one blip against Thór, we’ve been very consistent."

However, Callaghan is wary of a Dundalk side who are eight points behind Bohs in the league.

“I watched their game against Rovers and they were looking very well-drilled. They were perhaps unlucky, in certain aspects, not to nick a win, and it was the same story against Derry."

The Gypsies had been due to play Monaghan United last week, so because of their withdrawal Callaghan's charges have gone 12 days without a competitive fixture and will have to be wary of any loss of sharpness on the pitch.

Bohemians are safely mid-table at the moment, languishing just below Derry City and Dublin rivals Shelbourne having played one game less than both sides.

Midfield enforcer Dave Mulcahy returns from a hip injury while striker Dinny Corcoran is available after an injured shoulder, perfect timing for Callaghan as Dave Scully begins his five match ban after being dismissed against UCD last time out.

DUNDALK

Darius Kierans heads to Dalymount Park for his first away game in charge of Dundalk this Friday with his team crippled by injuries and having already released five players in recent weeks.

The former Drogheda United manager can only be certain he will have eight players who have appeared 10 times this season for the Lilywhites.

The Dundalk defence has been hit the worst by this current plethora of injuries. Stalwart centre-half Liam Burns, who won the league back in 2008 with Bohemians, is out along with other regular defenders Eoghan Osbourne and Ben McLaughlin. Paul Walsh is also a doubt for the trip while midfielder Conor McDonald is still unavailable with an ankle injury.

The young manager was ecstatic with his team's performance last week against Derry City, when his captain Chris Shields scored a late equaliser to secure a much needed point. “We deserved a point in the end against Derry; I thought the players showed tremendous character,”

Kierans' is well aware of the clubs financial problems, with survival being all that matters.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to cut the budget again this week. It’s not a nice thing to do but the survival of the club is paramount."

The 33 year old knows it will be difficult against an improving Bohemians team. Dalymount Park is always a very hard place to go.

“Bohemians are in good form in the league. They’ve won their last two home games, including beating Shamrock Rovers 4-0, and before that they drew with Sligo, so that shows what they’re capable of."

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

This will be the 175th league meeting between the two sides, Bohemians having won 67 times, Dundalk 55 and there has been a stalemate on 52 occasions.

Dundalk have found it difficult against the Gypsies in recent years, having only beaten Bohemians twice in 22 games, stretching all the way back to 2003..

The Lilywhites have only secured all three points on three occasions this season. In comparison, Bohemians have six wins under their belt.

BETTING

Bohemians 5/6 ; Draw 9/4; Dundalk 10/3 .

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-0 Dundalk

Bohemians Injury News: None.

Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully.

DundalkInjury News: Liam Burns, Eoghan Osbourne, Conor McDonald, Ben McLaughlin, Paul Walsh (Doubtful).

DundalkSuspension News: None.