EA Sports Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Cabinteely

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to make it two home wins in four days when they welcome Cabinteely to Dalymount Park on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Keith Long’s side got back to winning ways on Friday night as Keith Buckley’s spectacular long-range goal helped them to a 1-0 derby win over St Patrick’s Athletic.

That made it four wins from four for the Gypsies against Dublin teams after league wins over Shamrock Rovers and UCD and a Leinster Senior Cup victory at Shelbourne.

And Bohs will be confident of making it a clean sweep over their rivals in the capital having seen off Cabo in the first round in each of the last two years.

12 months ago, braces from Dylan Watts and Rob Manley – now plying his trade at Cabinteely – and one from Danny Grant helped them to a comfortable victory.

Midfielder Buckley underlined the confidence in the group following Friday night’s victory.

“We needed to get back winning in front of our fans,” Buckley told the Irish Sun.

“It’s been amazing playing in front of that full stand over the last three or four home games. It’s going well and hopefully we stay in the loop up there.”

Long is likely to have a full squad to choose from for the game after Kevin Devaney returned to action against Pats.

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely will look to continue their record of winning every away game this season when they travel the short distance north to Dalymount Park.

The Green and Whites have won both their away league matches so far – against Shelbourne and Drogheda United – and beat Bray Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup.

An in-form Premier Division side represents a far tougher prospect, however, as Cabo will know only too well after bowing out of the EA Sports Cup to Bohs in 2017 and 2018.

Striker Rob Manley, who has five goals so far this season, knows all about winning this fixture having scored twice in this fixture for Bohs last year.

“Bohs are a great club, with a great history. I’m just looking forward to the game,” Manley told the club’s media team.

“I don’t really think about what I’ve done before, I just go into the game fresh. It’s the same routine before every game.

“I try to get as many goals as I can. But to help the team first and foremost.”

Daniel Blackbyrne, Paul Fox and Kieran Butler all miss out with injury, while Alex Aspil is a doubt after picking up a knock on Friday.

Referee: Stephen Parnell

MATCH STATS

The sides have met only twice in their history, both times in the first round of the EA Sports Cup, and Bohs won both.

Steven Nolan scored the only goal of the game in 2017, while Rob Manley and Dylan Watts both scored braces in a 5-1 win last year.

BETTING

Bohemians 2/9; Draw 4/1; Away 8/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 – 0 Cabinteely

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: Daniel Blackbyrne, Paul Fox, Kieran Butler.

Doubtful: Alex Aspil.

Suspended: None.