League Preview: Bohemians -v- Drogheda United

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be looking to move further clear of the drop zone as they host Drogheda United at Dalymount Park on Friday.

Bohs’ came out on top when these side met at United Park in March thanks to a late Dan Byrne header.

The Gypsies now come into this game with two wins in their last three games, both 2-1 victories, away to Bray and Galway respectively. They have however lost four of their last five home games.

Keith Long’s side currently sit seventh in the league, four points clear of the bottom three and the Bohs’ manager is hoping his side make home advantage pay against Drogheda.

"We have lost too many games at Dalymount despite the fact that our attendances have been very good and our supporters have been right behind us in every game,” Long told the Bohemians website.

“We've let ourselves down to an extent at home so far this campaign. We need to start grinding out results and make home advantage pay.”

Bohemians remain without the injured Eoin Wearen and Ismahil Akinade while Paddy Kavanagh is doubtful due to a rib injury.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United head to Dalymount Park on Friday knowing that a win would see them enter the mid-season break above the relegation zone.

The Boynesiders’ were on the receiving end of a 5-0 hammering by Cork City two weeks ago but last week recorded back to back scoreless draws against two sides in the top four, Bray and Derry.

The Drogs, in fact, came away disappointed with just a point against Derry after they were left to rue a number of missed chances to win the game.

"It’s obviously an important game given that we’re heading into the break and where both clubs are in the table," manager Pete Mahon told www.droghedaunited.ie.

"The last thing you want is a negative result going into the break and leaving everything on a downer."

Drogheda will be without the injured pair of Richie Purdy and Lloyd Buckley while Sean Thornton is suspended.

Goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness is awaiting medical clearance after he was stretchered off against Derry City last week. The Boynesiders are also awaiting international clearance for new signing Ryan Masterson.

Referee: Lee Evans (Welsh FA).

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have won six of their sixteen league games so far this season. However, just two of those have come at Dalymount Park, against Bray Wanderers and Finn Harps.

These sides are two of the three lowest scoring teams in the league. Drogheda have scored the fewest of any side (13) while Bohemians are third lowest (15) after sixteen games.

Only Finn Harps (32) and Sligo (29) have conceded more goals than Bohemians (27) and Drogheda (28) so far this season.

BETTING

Bohemians 1/1; Draw 23/10; Drogheda United 11/4.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-1 Drogheda United

Bohemians

Injured: Eoin Wearen (cruciate), Ismahil Akinade (recovering from surgery).

Doubtful: Paddy Kavanagh (ribs).

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Richie Purdy, Lloyd Buckley.

Doubtful: Ryan Masterson (awaiting international clearance), Stephen McGuinness.

Suspended: Sean Thornton.