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League of Ireland Preview: Bohemians and St Pat's face off, while Dundalk aim to maintain winning start

Defending champions Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Galway United have all made 100 per cent starts ...



League of Ireland Preview: Boh...
Soccer

League of Ireland Preview: Bohemians and St Pat's face off, while Dundalk aim to maintain winning start

Defending champions Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Galway United have all made 100 per cent starts to the Premier Division campaign, while Sligo Rovers are yet to pick a result.

St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians, Richmond Park, KO: 7.45pm.

Bohemians fell away in the second half of their campaign opener against Cork City at Turners Cross, but had Kurtis Byrne to thank as they came away with three points at home to Sligo Rovers.

St Pat's, meanwhile, had a disappointing opening day defeat at home to Galway United but atoned for their result to see off Longford Town last week.

"It’s our first Dublin derby of the season so a good crowd in Inchicore will be there" Saints boss, Liam Buckley told Extratime.ie.

"Both teams are well supported so we’ll be looking for our own crowd to be vocal and get behind the team. That ‘Richmond Roar’ can make a big difference in big games like this so hopefully we can put in a good performance and get a result.” 

Bohemians manager Keith Long told the club's official website: "There have been changes at St Pat's with plenty of new faces.

"They're fancied to be up there at the end of the season. But we can go to Richmond with confidence after Friday's result, knowing we can improve on that as well.

"Without dominating possession against Sligo, we created enough chances to increase our lead. I'm confident there are goals in this side."

Roberto Lopes returns to the squad after returning from injury for  Bohemians. Long added; “It’s great to have competition for places. A selection headache is not a bad complaint to have."

Bohemians manager, Keith Long. Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

 

Cork City v Longford Town, Turner's Cross. KO: 7.45pm

John Caufield will need to remind his players that consistency will be key if they are to topple Dundalk to win the league this year.

Cork were beaten at the Brandywell by a resurgent Derry City side, so will need to go back to on track if they are to pick up some valuable momentum heading into a clash with Dundalk on Friday night.

“Longford went to the cup semi-finals last year, Tony is the longest serving manager in the league and he has done very well there" Caulfield told the club's website.

"They have a strong squad, they had a good win in Wexford on the opening day, and it will be a difficult game for us.

“They will come down, be tight and try to hit us on the counter-attack. We have to be ready from the start and there are no excuses. Everyone knows that Friday night’s performance was unacceptable, and we need to be on our game to get a result.”

Longford will look to get back to winning ways after a defeat to visitors St Pat's. They have lost four of the last five meetings between the sides, but won the last game away at Turner's Cross 3-2 in October.

De Town will be without the suspended Conor Powell.

Cork players on the line as they prepare for Derry's free kick inside the box. Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Lorcan Doherty

 

Wexford Youths v Dundalk, Ferrycarrig Park. KO: 8pm

Wexford Youths are finding their maiden season in the Premier Division difficult, registering no wins or goals in their opening two games.

They are without injured trio Shane Dunne, Peter Higgins and Aidan Keenan for tonight's game, but manager Shane Keegan remains positive about his side's performances so far.

"Those who weren't at the games will see two consecutive 2-0 nil defeats, see us with no points and surmise that we are in for a season of being rooted to the bottom of the table as we appear to be clearly out of our depth. But those who were at the games no the real story is very different!" he told the club's website.

Despite the loss of key player Richie Towell, Dundalk have gotten off to a fast start as they target a third consecutive league title.

Second in the table, only goal difference separates them from leaders Galway United, so a big win could see them go top tonight.

“It was a brilliant result for us in what was a very tough game on the night [against Finn Harps]" Daryl Horgan told the club's website.

"Finn Harps really put it up to us. They had a game plan and they pressed us all over the park. They pushed us but I thought we played well at times. We could have played better, we know that but it’s early doors yet and to win the first two games like we have is great for us and it’s the start we wanted."

Manager Stephen Kenny said: “We have everyone fit after Friday and we won’t be taking Wexford Youths lightly. They are a good side and we are looking forward to the trip. We’ll be well prepared and we’ll be ready.”

Dundalk are off to a fast start in the Premier Divsion. Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

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