Prediction: Bohemians vs Dundalk

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what appears to be a real six-pointer at the foot of the Premier Division table, Bohemians will welcome Dundalk to Dalymount Park on Friday night.

Bohemians

Starting with the hosts, springing what was a heavyweight FAI Cup upset last weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory against defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, still at the heart of a Premier Division relegation scrap and marking their return to top-flight action holding a four-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, the Dublin-based outfit face what is a crucial showdown here. Last seen on Premier Division duties falling to a 2-0 defeat against Sligo Rovers, Alan Reynolds’ side have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous 11 top-flight appearances. It should also be highlighted, Bohemians have failed to muster a single Premier Division victory at Dalymount Park since back on April 19th.

Team News

Although ex-Maidenhead striker James Akintude might have notched just a single Premier Division strike since the middle of April, the 28-year-old could be handed a full recall here. Bagging the winner against Shamrock last weekend and recording four goals in his previous eight appearances across all competitions, Dayle Rooney will be looking to extend on his recent flurry on Friday night.

While former Dundee United youngster Archie Meekison might have made a brief second-half appearance against Sligo Rovers earlier in the month, the 22-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench here.

Dundalk

As for the visitors, crashing out of the FAI Cup last week as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Drogheda, Dundalk find themselves at the heart of a public Premier Division crisis. Coming under plenty of scrutiny since opening up the 2024 campaign, Jon Daly’s downbeat squad have a real battle on their hands this season. Opening up Friday’s trip to Dalymount Park sat four points adrift of top-flight safety, the Lilywhites are desperately seeking a much-needed boost here. Losing four of their previous six appearances across all competitions, Friday’s guests have gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. In fact, along with losing all of their previous three showdowns away from Oriel Park by an aggregate score of 4-1, they have also lost six of their last seven matchups on their travels.

Team News

Making what was a timely return from a knock last weekend, attacking talisman and leading marksman Jamie Gullan should feature from the start on Friday night. However, both still dealing with respective issues, the duo of Andy Boyle and Dara Keane will not feature at Dalymount Park.

Completing a loan switch from Doncaster Rovers last month, 19-year-old Bobby Faulkner will once again partner academy graduate Mayowa Animasahun at the heart of Dundalk’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bohemians and Dundalk last met back on April 26th, the Lilywhites collected a 2-0 victory at Oriel Park.
• However, Dundalk have lost all of their last three trips to Bohemians by an aggregate score of 6-3.
• The former Irish champions have lost six of their previous seven away fixtures across all competitions.
• Despite their FAI Cup success last weekend, Bohemians have recorded just a single win from any of their last 11 Premier Division matchups.
• Each of the last three meetings between Friday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

In what is a real six-pointer at the foot of the Premier Division table, we could be set for a cagey affair from Dalymount Park on Friday night. Two camps that are desperately seeking some kind of Premier Division stability, chances could come at a premium in Dublin. With each of the previous three showdowns between Bohemians and Dundalk finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster