League Preview: Bohemians -v- Waterford

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Oct 05 2018




BOHEMIANS 

A much-changed Bohemians side is expected to take to the field against a Europa League chasing Waterford at Dalymount Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

With a massive FAI Cup Semi-Final replay in the offing on Monday night against Cork City, Keith Long is expected to ring the changes for the Gypsies as they look to reach their first ever Aviva Stadium FAI Cup Final. 

Speaking with the club’s official media team ahead of the home clash against Waterford, the Gypsies boss Keith Long spoke of the positivity at the club after a huge occasion at Dalymount on Sunday evening against the FAI Cup holders – a semi-final they were just three minutes away from winning.

“Nobody is feeling sorry for themselves. It’s been an extremely positive week in training. Obviously the way they equalised was very disappointing at the time and hard to take but you move on from that.

“When I left Dalymount on Sunday night and put the disappointment to one side, the hunger for the club to be involved in more big games and occasions like that took over.

“We’re not out of it, we just have to do it the hard way. We are very much in this tie and we will go to Cork confident.

“We know we will be up against it. Cork are an excellent side there will be a big home crowd down there, but we will have a big following of our own behind us.”

Long rang the changes for their league clash with St. Pat’s ahead of last Sunday’s game with Cork City. 

It was a youthful Bohs side that won 3-1 in Inchicore and the Bohs boss intimated it will changes from his team that faced City.

“It would be foolhardy not to have one eye on Monday’s game, so we will obviously change things up a little.

“But our hands are tied on that front to a certain extent too. Of the players you’d like to bring into the squad, four of them – Andy Lyons, Ali Reghba, Promise Omochere and Ryan Graydon – played a draining game last night.

“So, we have to be mindful of that and manage our squad correctly as we don’t want to be pushing players too much.

“But we have a group of players who are pushing each other themselves all the time so I’m confident the team we put out will give a good account of themselves.

“They’ve been tight affairs against Waterford this season. 

“We’ve drawn one and lost twice to them, but they were games we felt that we left points behind and where our performances deserved more so we want to get a result tomorrow and consolidate our place in the table.”

In terms of team news for Bohs, long-term absentees Ryan Swan and Ryan Masterson both miss out for the Dalymount Park outfit. 

WATERFORD

After a free weekend due to FAI Cup competition, Waterford are back in Premier Division action when they make the trip to the capital to face an in-form Bohemian FC side at Dalymount Park.  

Speaking ahead of the game, Waterford manager Alan Reynolds is pleased with his team’s preperation in the run-up to the game in Dalymoutn.

“I was delighted with the win in our last game against Sligo Rovers,” siad Reynolds. “There wasn’t a lot in the game, but I was delighted that we got the goal and got the points.

“We had no match last weekend, but the players have trained well and they’re raring to get back on the pitch to build on the last two results.”

The Blues come into the game two points behind third placed Shamrock Rovers. Should Bohs lose to City on Monday, it will mean fourth place would be good enough for European qualification.

“We’re aware of the great form that Keith [Long] has his side in so we know it’s going to be a really tough game up there. I think we’ve been great all season and I’m looking for a big push from everybody for the last four games.”

In team news for Waterford, Cory Galvin is out with injury while former Bohs hitman Ishmael Akinade also misses out due to suspension. 

Referee:Sean Grant 

MATCH STATS

Bohemians are unbeaten in their last ten competitive games. The Gypsies last competitive defeat came against Dundalk all the way back in July. 

Waterford are winless on their last two adventures to the capital. The Blues have been defeated against UCD and St Patrick’s Athletic in their last two appearances on the East Coast. 

Bohs are winless against their South-East opposition so far this season. The Blues have won two out of their three games against Keith Long’s charges while there has been one 1-1 draw at the RSC. 

BETTING

Bohemians 23/10; Draw 23/10; Waterford 11/10.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 0-2 Waterford. 

Bohemians 

Injured:Ryan Swan, Ryan Masterson.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:None.

Waterford FC

Injured:Cory Galvin.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended: Ishmael Akinade.

 

#Bohs were within touching distance of a place in the FAI Cup final last night in Dalymount but for a cruel refereeing decision ensuring the game finished at 1-1. @ohallerjam spoke to Keith Long after the game. Filmed by @Johnjo84pic.twitter.com/yIV3Ky6QlU

— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) October 1, 2018