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

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Jun 29 2018




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians welcome Dublin rivals St Patrick's Athletic to Dalymount Park as both sides look to end a streak of five games without a win (kick-off 7.45pm).

Defeats to Dundalk, Derry City and Cork City, either side of draws with Shamrock Rovers and Limerick, have seen the Gypsies slip below Sligo Rovers into eighth.

The good news for Bohs is that they haven't been far away in any of those games, and will fancy their chances against a Saints side on a five-game losing run.

“The break has maybe come at a good time for St Pat’s too as they’d lost five in a row before that,” Long told the club's official website.

“But we can only focus on ourselves. Our lads have gone away for a few days and they’re back determined and with a renewed energy to push forward.

“We know we have to be better on the pitch. But everyone is back looking forward to that challenge. They’re chomping at the bit.

“With the league going to ten teams this year, this was always going to be tough.

“Other clubs have increased budgets exponentially. We knew it was going to be a challenging season. We’re not going to shy away from that challenge – we’re looking forward to it.

“Our home form has let us down at times and that’s something we are striving to put right.”

The break has been good to Bohs as Darragh Leahy, Karl Moore and Colin McCabe have all recovered from medium-term injuries, while Cristian Magerusan nears full fitness.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

A disastrous run of five defeats on the bounce has seen Pats slip from contenders for third place to once again looking over their shoulder at the relegation spots.

Liam Buckley's side are now sixth, nine points ahead of Bohemians, but remain just three points off fourth position and a win here would do a lot to revive their European hopes.

"The break was a welcome one for us as we have been able to give the players a much deserved rest and we have a few extra bodies back,” Buckley told the club's website.

“This first game back however will be a real challenge as Bohemians have shown some great form over the season to date, and have been unlucky in not picking up more points.

“They have several really talented players going forward and will pose us problems.

"Since we returned from the break, we have been working hard on doing the basics right as when we have managed to do that this season, we have picked up a lot of good results.

“The players are raring to go for a Dublin derby that is always so competitive, and with the heat and conditions expected, the game will be tough for both sides.

“From our side of things, we hope that we can come out on top and pick up the three points."

The Saints have Kevin Toner and Thomas Byrne back after the duo served suspensions, but Christy Fagan is out for the season with a patella injury.

 

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice in the league so far this season, with the Saints taking four points from a possible six.

Dean Clarke's early goal saw Pats to a slender 1-0 win at Dalymount in March, while late goals from Dinny Corcoran and Kevin Devaney cancelled out a Jake Keegan brace in April.

 

BETTING

Bohemians 9/5; Draw 21/10; St Patrick's Athletic 7/5.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1 – 1 St Patrick's Athletic

 

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Swan (cruciate).

Doubtful: Cristian Magerusan (foot).

Suspended: None.

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.