Bohemians v Galway United
Football: Republic of Ireland, Premier League 2009
Friday, 21st August 2009 - KO 7.45pm

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BOHEMIANS (Home Form : W9 D2 L1)

Bohs sit top of the table 5 points clear of arch rivals Shamrock Rovers and 11 points clear of third place Cork City. It looks now as if its down to Bohs and Rovers in the title race.

Bohs are also in the quarter final of the FAI cup and in the league cup final next month where they face first division side Waterford United.

With the treble still on, the champions will also play in the All Ireland, Setanta Cup competition next month. But the league remains the number one priority for Pat Fenlon's side. They have been in outstanding form lately as they have for most of the season apart from a few slips.

Bohemians have won 6 from 8 league games and drawn the other 2 since their last defeat. They also got through a tricky Cup tie last week against Dundalk after a replay which they won on penalties. They have also only conceded 2 goals at home all season, from 12 games.

Bohs have beaten their opponents in this game Galway twice already this season both by 2-0 scorlines. They will be without key midfield player Gary Deegan and also Paul Keegan but will have everyone else available from their strong squad of players.

BOHS LAST 5 GAMES
Bohs 0-0 Dundalk (Cup Replay, Bohs win on penalites)
Dundalk 0-0 Bohs ( Fai Cup )
St Pats 0-2 Bohs
Bohs 1-0 Cork
Drogheda 1-1 Bohs

GALWAY UNITED (Away Form : W4 D2 L5)

Galway have started to get a few wins of late again after a very poor spell over the summer. They had started the season excellent, with 2 wins and 3 draws from the first 5 games. But they then went on a terrible run of 5 defeats and 1 draw. Lately it has got better for Ian Foster's side with 3 wins and 2 defeats from their last 5 games.

Galway now sit in 6th place in the league but are not quite safe from the relegation battle yet. They sit 5 points ahead of the relegation play off spots and 9 points ahead of bottom side Bray Wanderers.

It's certainly an improvement on last season when they seemed certain for the drop but were saved when previous Boss Jeff Kenna managed a good run of results late in the season to stay up by the skin of their teeth.

Galway will have a full squad to choose from but suffered a blow when star player and top scorer Jay O'Shea signed for Premiership side Birmingham City last week. He made his debut as a substitute against Manchester United at Old Trafford last week and Galway will certainly miss him.

GALWAY LAST 5 GAMES
St Pats 1-2 Galway
Galway 0-3 Dundalk
Bray 1-2 Galway
Galway 1-0 Sligo
Galway 0-2 Drogheda

THE BETTING VERDICT

I can't see anything but a Bohs win in this one.

Galway's record against the top sides this season has been very poor. They have played 4 times against Bohs and Shamrock Rovers and lost each time and failed to find the net each time.

The Pick :

BOHEMIANS 3-0 GALWAY

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

BOHS should win this match easily

HANDICAP BETTING :

and consider BOHS -1.5 ASIAN HANDICAP at even money.
(They have to win by 2+ goals for you to collect)