League Preview: Bohemians -v- Finn Harps

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians are coming off the back of a successful, if a little controversial, pre-season. Wins over Longford and Bray accompany a draw with Shelbourne. Bohs’ then looked to host Scottish side East Fife for an Irn-Bru Cup game, only for it to be called off minutes before kick-off due to a section of the pitch being frozen.

The Gypsies were a busy club in the transfer window, welcoming in no less than nine signings to Dalymount Park. James Talbot adds strength to the goalkeeping position, with depth being added in midfield via Daniel Mandroiu and Luke Wade-Slater. The new signings mean that Bohs’ squad is a young enough one, but the experience of captain Derek Pender will guide them.

A few injuries face Bohemians at the start of the year, with Michael Barker out with a hamstring injury. Promise Omochere has a problem with his ankle, whereas the Gypsies will have to do without Christian Magerusan for the foreseeable future as he recovers from a cruciate injury.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps make the trip to Dalymount Park for their first game back in the Premier Division since 2016. Ollie Horgan’s side have had a mixed pre-season, with wins over Drogheda United and Limerick. They did, however, lose to Derry City and only managed a draw with Athlone Town heading into the first week of the new league campaign.

Harps have been active in the transfer window and have strengthened in most areas of the pitch. They recruited eight players ahead of the new season, with key attacking signings such as Raffaele Cretaro, Sam Verdon and Caolan McAleer being supported by returning defenders Sam Todd and John Kavanagh.

They have some injury concerns, with Mark Timlin out and new signings Harry Ascroft a doubt in defence. Meanwhile their defence is even more depleted with the loss of captain Keith Cowan through work commitments. Nathan Boyle and Mikey Place will be key men in attack for the Donegal side, with Sam Todd, last year’s Player of the Year, on loan from Derry, marshalling the backline.

Referee: Paul McGlaughlin

MATCH STATS

Ollie Horgan’s team face a tough task at the start of the season but will be looking for a positive performance from his side as they look to remain in the top flight. They haven’t beaten Bohemians in 20 years away.

Bohemians have won three out of the last five meetings between the two teams with Harps picking up a victory in the league in 2016 and in the FAI Cup after extra time the same year.

BETTING

Home 4/6; Draw 11/4; Away 7/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-0 Finn Harps

Bohemians

Injured: Michael Barker, Promise Omochere, Christian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin

Doubtful: Harry Ascroft

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Keith Cowan