Bohemians vs. Dundalk: Relegation Rivals Clash in Crucial Dalymount Park Showdown
Bohemians vs. Dundalk: Match Preview
Two relegation rivals will face off when Bohemians welcome Dundalk to Dalymount Park for Friday’s League of Ireland Premier Division clash.
Dundalk are languishing in the relegation playoff spot, while the hosts are hovering outside the bottom two in eighth place.
Match Preview
Since recording three consecutive victories in April, Bohemians have managed to win just one of their subsequent 11 league matches. In fact, they have failed to secure a victory in any of their last six Premier Division encounters since a comfortable 3-0 win over Shelbourne in May.
The home form has been particularly troubling for Bohemians, as they have mustered only 12 points from 11 league games at Dalymount Park, leaving them with the worst home record in the top flight. However, a recent 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup, courtesy of a Dayle Rooney penalty, has injected some much-needed confidence into the squad.
Bohemians will now turn their focus to Friday’s contest, aiming to claim another home win over Dundalk, following their 1-0 triumph in April’s meeting at Dalymount Park.
In contrast, Dundalk experienced disappointment in the FAI Cup, suffering a 2-1 away defeat against Drogheda United, just a week after beating the same opponent 4-2 in the Premier Division. Dundalk’s primary focus is now their survival bid, sitting four points behind Bohemians but holding the advantage of having played two fewer games.
Despite their inconsistent form, with three wins and three losses in their last six league matches, Dundalk can take solace in their six-point cushion over the bottom-placed Drogheda. Additionally, Dundalk secured a 2-0 victory against Bohemians in their last encounter at Oriel Park.
Bohemians League of Ireland Premier Form:
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Bohemians Form (all competitions):
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Dundalk League of Ireland Premier Form:
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Dundalk Form (all competitions):
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Team News
The hosts are expected to be without the services of Brian McManus, James McManus, Rob Cornwall, and Keith Buckley. Summer signings Leigh Kavanagh, Dawson Devoy, and Alex Grieve could retain their spots after starting in the FAI Cup win over Shamrock Rovers. Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds might consider a couple of changes, with Paddy Kirk and James Akintunde likely to be in contention for starting spots.
As for the visitors, they will be without midfielder Paul Doyle, who sustained a hamstring injury in the league win over Drogheda earlier this month. Dara Keane, who has made just one league appearance this season, is still around five weeks from returning to action as he continues to work his way back to full fitness. New additions Aodh Dervin and Norman Garbett are both in contention after featuring as substitutes in last Friday’s cup defeat.
Bohemians Possible Starting Lineup:
Chorazka; Miller, Kavanagh, Byrne, Kirk; Kavanagh, Tierney; Grieve, Devoy, Rooney; Akintunde
Dundalk Possible Starting Lineup:
Goddard; Mountney, Animasahun, Keogh; McGill, Dervin; Garbett, Benson, Horgan; Gullan
Prediction
Both teams are in desperate need of points to escape the clutches of relegation. Bohemians will be buoyed by their recent cup success and home advantage, while Dundalk will be looking to bounce back from their cup disappointment. Expect a tense and closely fought contest with a slight edge for the home side.
