League Preview: Bohemians -v- Longford Town

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long’s Bohemians welcome newly-promoted Longford Town to Dalymount Park on Saturday afternoon in their first home league game of the season (kick-off is at 4pm).

The game was originally slotted in for a 6pm kick-off, however, the game was pushed back to a 4pm start earlier this week.

Bohs come into the game off the back of a disappointing away defeat to Finn Harps on the opening day.

And manager Keith Long – despite the defeat – is hopeful that he recruited well during the off-season.

“The relative stability of last season has been replaced this year with change,” he told his club’s media team.

“To finish second last season, qualifying for Europe for the second year running with the youngest team in the country is evidence that we are making progress.

“We try to look at change as a positive and an opportunity but there is no doubt that we lost some key players from last year, which are not so easy to replace.”

He added: “Time will tell, but we hope we have recruited well and brought the right characters to the club. It takes a certain type to fill a Bohs jersey and it will squeeze out those that look for shortcuts.

“But with nine new players in a squad it will take time for them to settle in. Pre-season went reasonably well but only competitive games can bring cohesion to a team.”

Bohemians are without Stephen Mallon and Promise Omochere with injuries, while Conor Levingston and Bradley Rolt are doubts – but may play a role.

Andy Lyons and Dawson Devoy may be included having been left out of Ireland’s under-21 win over Wales on Friday.

LONGFORD TOWN

After enjoying a dream start to life back in the Premier Division, Longford Town make the trip to the capital to take on Bohemians.

The Red and Black were defeated on penalties during their last visit to Dalymount Park in the FAI Cup – and they have not won at the venue since 2006.

That win was their only ever one at the Phibsborough venue to date – but they will be hoping that they can add a second come Saturday evening.

Longford easily swatted aside the rather meek challenge of Derry City last weekend, but they will be acutely aware that this game may not be as easy.

In terms of team news for Longford, Daire Doyle’s charges have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of Saturday afternoon’s encounter at Dalymount.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town lost on penalties during their last visit away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park. The game was Daire Doyle’s first as Town boss following the shock departure of former manager Neale Fenn at the time.

Bohemians have only once at home to Longford in their history in league competition – with the Gypsies only defeat at Dalymount against De Town coming in August 2006.

BETTING

Bohemians 1/2; Draw 14/5; Longford Town 9/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 - 1 Longford Town

Bohemians

Injured: Promise Omochere, Stephen Mallon.

Doubtful: Andy Lyons, Dawson Devoy, Conor Levingston, Bradley Rolt.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.