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

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians come into Friday’s match off the back of two vastly contrasting results.

High-flying Shamrock Rovers visited Dalymount last week for the second Dublin derby of 2021.

Despite starting slowly, Georgie Kelly got the breakthrough, scoring his eleventh of the season. The Gypsies held on for the 1-0 win as they rose to fourth, and brought their four match winless run against their rivals to an end.

It was a much different story last Saturday however. After an impressive performance against the champions, Bohs were totally outclassed by Liam Buckley’s Sligo Rovers last Saturday.

18-year-old Johnny Kenny opened the scoring before Rob Cornwall scored an own goal. Second half strikes from Ryan De Vries and Kenny sealed the 4-0 win for the hosts as Bohs remained in fourth.

Bohs have failed to beat the Saints so far this season. Ronan Coughlan’s second half strike proved the difference when the Athletic visited Dalymount last April.

Last May, there was late drama at Richmond Park, Pat’s entered the final minutes 1-0 up, before Dawson Devoy’s 91st minute penalty levelled it.

However, Ciaran Kelly’s challenge on Robbie Benson was deemed a penalty, which Benson converted to snatch all three points for the Saints.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints come into tonight's clash joint top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers. All three sides are level on goal difference, but the Inchicore side have the most goals scored, 30 in 18 games this season.

Stephen O’Donnell’s men won three on the bounce after thrashing Finn Harps 4-1, before Waterford held them to a frustrating 1-1 draw last weekend. Matty Smith and Shane Griffin hit the net in the first half while Alfie Lewis was controversially shown a straight red card.

Speaking ahead of the derby, head coach Stephen O’Donnell told the Saints website, “Bohemians are a good team. They probably didn't have the start they were looking for this season, but we have seen with a lot of their results that they can really put teams to the sword.

“They've had a couple of really good wins at Dalymount Park and our game against them at Richmond was 50-50 on the balance of it, but they probably had the best of opportunities despite our win.

“We are under no illusions, it's going to be a really tough game and one we are looking forward to.”

Midfielder John Mountney also spoke ahead of the game, and described the confidence in the Saints dressing room after their impressive start to 2021.

“We all came back in after the mid-season break and were ready to work hard and to get going again. We've got back to action and bounced straight back into it with the points we have picked up.

“Friday night will be a tough game going away to Bohemians. It was a tough game there at the start of the year and when we played them last in Richmond.

“They are looking to bounce back after their disappointing result against Sligo and we are looking to keep our good form going so it lends itself for a good game. We are going there full of confidence.”

Shane Griffin is out with a shoulder injury, and Alfie Lewis will serve a one match suspension following his red card last weekend. It was also announced today that Lewis has signed a contract to stay with Pat’s until the end of the season.

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

St Pat’s are unbeaten against Bohemians in 2021, winning 1-0 and 2-1 in their previous two meetings.

Pat’s have kept six clean sheets this season, compared to Bohs’ seven.

Georgie Kelly leads the league goalscoring chart with eleven this season, compared to Ronan Coughlan’s seven.

BETTING

Bohemians 13/10; Draw 2/1; St Patrick’s Athletic 2/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1–2 St Patrick’s Athletic

Bohemians

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Alfie Lewis.

Suspended: None.