League Preview: Bohemians - v - Galway United

BOHEMIANS

Dalymount Park is the venue for one of three St Patrick’s Day Premier Division games as Shane Keegan's Galway United are welcomed by  Bohemians (kick off 7.45pm).

Having starting off the season with two consecutive defeats, Bohs have really turned around the ship and are aiming for their third consecutive win. On Monday they claimed the win thanks to a 50^th minute Dinny Corcoran strike in Market’s Field on Monday night against a buoyant Limerick side.

Paddy Kavanagh picked up possession before supplying Corcoran in the box where the big striker smashed home first-time for his fourth goal of the season.

Manager Keith Long was in a reflective mood after that game when he spoke to extratime.ie. He took stock on how their season is panning out and seemed content with how the Phibsboro men are conducting themselves.

“We lost heavily at home to Derry but the scoreline flattered them and they have beaten Dundalk tonight so they are a good side,” said Long.

“We lost narrowly away to Shamrock Rovers but I think the performances have been there. Even the goals we gave away against Bray were avoidable but tonight we did not give any away and kept a clean sheet so we were always in with a chance of winning the game and thankfully we did that.”

The Limerick win was Bohs’ first league win away from home since August 2016, and so the win for Long was very importan especially having claimed ther first league win of the campaign four days previous at home to Bray.

“It is a great win on the back of the victory against a really good Bray side. We dug deep, especially in the second-half when Limerick threw everything at us so to come away with a 1-0 win down here. I don’t think many people would have predicted that so we are really pleased with ourselves”, echoed Long.

“Our defenders defended well and I thought throughout the course of the game we were dangerous on the break. Limerick try to plan an expansive style of football and sometimes they can leave themselves exposed.

“Although we could have capitalised on it a bit more, overall we can be really pleased with the lads and the result. It is very important that we go again in Dalymount on Friday night and follow tonight (the Limerick result) up with the right performance.”

On Friday Bohs face a Galway side who have picked up just one point from their opening four games but Long remains wary of the threat posed by Shane Keegan's men.

"Galway are a full-time outfit with a full-time manager. They know they need to start picking up points soon but it's up to us to make sure they don't do so here against us. We'll be right at it. We won't have to guard against complacency after two wins.

For full interview with Keith Long, see here.

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen come into Friday’s trip to Bohemians at Dalymount Park on the back of losing their second home game of the season. The 2-1 defeat on Monday night to Shamrock Rovers, came after they had at least earend their first points of the season the previous Friday away to Finn Harps coming from behind to draw 1-1.

Having lost three of their opening four games, which included an opening day loss at home to Drogheda and a heavy away defeat to Cork, it will be vital for Shane Keegan’s men to get something from the game in Phibsboro if they are to gather some momentive.

Goals from Gary Shaw for Shamrock Rovers in either half earned the Hoops the win. Ronan Murray had pulled the Tribesmen back on level terms but parity only lasted eight minutes.

Speaking to the media following the defeat, Keegan was open and honest in his reaction, citing a mixture of frustration and pride with how things panned out.

“Maybe I am wearing rose-tinted glasses,” said Keegan. “I thought we were good for long, long periods of the game, I really did, but to be honest I am getting a little bit sick of moral victories at the moment.

“It is only so long that I can beat the drum that we are playing well, we need to start playing poor and winning games. If we play like that every week, we will accumulate lots of points. I do honestly believe that but at the moment it is tough and there is no point saying otherwise."

Galway fans will decide whether or not the club is already in crisis, but Keegan was keen to put a different perspective on it with his analysis. “Look at the league table, we undoubtedly have problems – look at our performances, different story.”

Every team in the top division now has at least a point going into the fifth round of games so it is a top priority the Galwegians get positive results sooner rather than later if they don’t want to be left behind.

Looking ahead to Friday, Keegan said; "Bohemians, given their current form, isn't going to easy. They have won their last two games against teams as strong as Limerick and Bray Wanderers, so they are going to be flying and brimming with confidence."

Striker Vinny Faherty agreed with the manager's sentiments when discussing the Rovers, telling galwayunitedfc.ie. "We deserved something from the Rovers game, a blatant handball was missed in the lead up to their winner when I felt we were on top. That played a massive part in the outcome.

"The result was not what we wanted but the performance wasn't bad, we need to build on that now and really put our best foot forward against Bohs.

Galway United travel to Dalymount Park without the injured trio of Paul Sinnott (ankle), Padraic Cunningham (hamstring) and Gavan Holohan

It is fair to say the Connaught club were tipped for relegation by many,. Friday night gives them an opportunity to silence the critics, away to a Bohs side who were themselves tipped for the bottom six. It promises to be an intriguing game in store.

REFEREE: Neil Doyle

MATCH FACTS

Both teams have met each other 26 times; with Bohs winning 15 to Galway’s 8. Three draws have been played out between the sides.

They met four times last year, three in the league and one in the cup. The Tribesmen just about edged it by winning two along with one draw .

The last time the two sides meet in Dublin 7 was in that aforementioned 1-1 draw. Ismahil Akinade and Ryan Connolly were the goalscorers that night but neither will be playing in this fixture tomorrow. Akinade is still recovering from surgery while Ryan Connolly has move on to Shamrock Rovers.

MATCH BETTING

Bohemians 13/10; Draw 9/4; Galway United 2/1

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-0 Galway United

Bohemians

Injured: Eoin Wearen (Knee), Ismahil Akinade (Illness)

Doubtful: Ian Morris

Suspended: None

Galway United

Injured: Paul Sinnott (Ankle), Gavin Holohan, Padraic Cunningham (Hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None