Match Preview: Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic
Sports Mole is set to preview the upcoming League of Ireland Premier clash between Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic, scheduled for Monday at Dalymount Park. Both teams come into the match with differing motivations: Bohemians aim to distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot, while St Patrick’s Athletic seeks to strengthen their position in the league standings.
Current Standings
Bohemians currently find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third from the bottom with 37 points after 32 matches. They are just one spot above Drogheda United, who are in the relegation playoff zone. With a win on Monday, Bohs could move seven points clear of the drop zone. In contrast, St Patrick’s Athletic sits in fifth place with 47 points and has the potential to finish the day just four points behind league leaders Shelbourne, should they secure a victory.
Recent Form
The home side managed a 1-1 draw against Derry City in their last league outing, a match that was closely contested. Derry created two significant chances, while Bohemians fashioned one. This draw was their second consecutive match against Derry, having previously lost to them in the semi-final of the FAI Cup. Manager Alan Reynolds will be pleased with the point, as it leaves Bohemians three points clear of the relegation playoff spot and with a game in hand over their nearest rivals.
In their last six league matches, Bohemians have experienced mixed results, with two wins, two draws, and two losses. To ensure their safety in the league, they likely need to earn at least six points from their remaining four matches. However, with Drogheda United still set to face league leaders Shelbourne and second-placed Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians may not need to achieve that total.
Despite their aspirations, Bohemians have struggled at home lately, with just one win, four draws, and five losses from their last ten league games at Dalymount Park.
On the other hand, St Patrick’s Athletic enters this match in excellent form, having won their last seven matches across all competitions. During this impressive run, they scored 20 goals while conceding only six. Their most recent league match saw them defeat Shelbourne 3-2, where they initially led 2-0 before needing an 88th-minute winner from Al-Amin Kazeem to seal the victory.
Manager Stephen Kenny, formerly in charge of the Ireland national team, has acknowledged that a title challenge with only four games remaining is unrealistic for his team. Nevertheless, they boast the third-most goals per game in the league, although they also rank fifth for goals conceded per match.
Team News
For Bohemians, defender Rob Cornwall is ruled out for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, forward James Akintunde and midfielders James McManus, Keith Buckley, and Martin Miller will also miss the match. Leigh Kavanagh could potentially return after an illness, but Reynolds may opt to continue with Jordan Flores and Jevon Mills at the center of defense. Expect Adam McDonnell and Dawson Devoy to form the midfield pivot behind forwards Archie Meekison, Ross Tierney, Dayle Rooney, and striker James Clarke.
St Patrick’s Athletic will be without midfielder Jamie Lennon, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Furthermore, Cian Kavanagh and Romal Palmer are sidelined with injuries. Aaron Bolger is expected to step in for Lennon, potentially partnering with Brandon Kavanagh and Christopher Forrester in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Bohemians: Chorazka; Byrne, Mills, Flores, Kirk; Devoy, McDonnell; Meekison, Tierney, Rooney; Clarke.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; Bolger, Kavanagh, Forrester; Elbouzedi, Keena, Mulraney.
Conclusion
Given St Patrick’s Athletic’s current form and Bohemians’ struggles at home, it is challenging to foresee how the hosts can avoid defeat on Monday night. The visitors’ momentum suggests they could capitalize on Bohemians’ vulnerabilities, making multiple goals a likely outcome in this encounter.
