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

• Dave Donnelly
• Sun, Jul 21 2019




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to bounce back from the disappointment of Monday’s defeat to UCD when they face another derby at home to St Patrick’s Athletic (kick-off 3pm – buy tickets here).

The unexpected defeat in Belfield leaves Keith Long’s side with little room for error as defeat will leave the Saints just two points behind third-placed Bohs in the race for Europe.

The Gypsies were stunned on Monday night when Yoyo Mahdy’s eighth-minute thunderbolt proved enough to win the tie for UCD.

The aftermath was marred by unpleasant scenes between the two sets of players after Kearns celebrated in front of the away fans, resulting in a suspension for Derek Pender.

Worse was to come for Bohs as it was confirmed Danny Mandroiu was suspended, so UCD have been awarded a 3-0 win and Mandroiu will also miss Sunday’s game.

"Monday wasn't good enough,” Long told the club’s official website.

“We need to show our character now - on and off the pitch. We need to improve our discipline. What went on after the game wasn't good enough, that wasn't us.

"It was a bad week for all of us. UCD deserved to win. We struggled to break them down. They were well-organised and got men behind the ball but our performance was lacking.

"It was to me our worst performance in 12 months, going back to when we lost to Sligo at home last season.

“We didn't play to our strengths but perhaps there were some warning signs in previous weeks since the break.

"We have to take our medicine and get on with what we do. We have refocused since Tuesday on St Pat's, who are a good side and have good players.”

Pender and Mandroiu are suspended, while Andy Lyons is away with the Ireland under-19s in Armenia, while Dinny Corcoran and Cristian Magerusan are out long-term.

Danny Grant, Rob Cornwall and Aaron Barry are all back fit, however, having completed their respective returns to full training this week.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

It’s a short turnaround for Harry Kenny’s Saints, who bowed out of Europe with their heads held high following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Norrkoping in Sweden on Thursday night.

The focus is now very much back on the hunt for a European spot next season as victory at Dalymount Park will bring Pats within two points of Bohs in third.

The Athletic travelled to Sweden in hope rather than expectation following a 2-0 defeat at home in the first leg.

They looked set to take home a draw after Conor Clifford’s rocket cancelled out a Jordan Larsson opener, but Kalle Holmberg’s late goal wrapped up a 4-1 aggregate scoreline.

"We played well on Thursday and I was particularly delighted with the second half,” Kenny told the club’s website.

“We re-grouped from going on and got back in it. I couldn't have been prouder of the team.

"Since Thursday night the focus changed and we've tried to rest up as best as possible and get ready for Sunday's game as we really only have a little over 48 hours to recover.

“It's a good one for us as it's a Dublin Derby and a big game for us as if we win we are right on the tails of Bohs.

“It will be very demanding as we're coming in off a bruising encounter in Sweden, but we'll give it our all and try come away with a result."

Clifford added: "Bohs on Sunday is another great game to be involved in with it being a derby.

“It's an important match as well as if we beat them we know we will just be two points behind them so it's one we are all looking forward to."

Gary Shaw is the only certain absentee with a hamstring injury, while Clifford is a doubt with a groin problem exacerbated in Sweden.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

The teams have met twice in the league to date, Bohs holding the advantage with a win and a draw to their name.

The first meeting in Dalymount in March ended 1-0 thanks to Keith Buckley’s goal late in the first half, while Mikey Drennan saw red for Pats.

In the return game at Richmond Park, the spoils were shared as a late Danny Mandroiu strike cancelled out Darragh Markey’s first-half opener.

BETTING

Bohemians 13/10; Draw 15/8; St Patrick’s Athletic 5/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1 – 2 St Patrick’s Athletic

Bohemians

Injured: Dinny Corcoran, Cristian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Danny Mandroiu, Derek Pender.

Unavailable: Andy Lyons (international duty).

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Gary Shaw (hamstring).

Doubtful: Conor Clifford (groin).

Suspended: None.