Bohemians v Dundalk
Football: Ireland,Premier Division
Friday 18th September, Kick Off 19.45

BOHEMIANS 1st – Home Record W10 D2 L2

Bohs come into this game on the back of 2 straight defeats in the league and are now only 1 point ahead of second place and arch rivals Shamrock Rovers. With just 9 games to go it looks like its down to just the two of them for the title although Cork City and Derry City are only 8 points behind and may feel they are still in with a shout.

On Tuesday Bohs who were last years double winners, were also knocked out of the Cup at Sligo by a 2-1 scoreline after a replay. No wins in 4 games to a side like Bohs would be regarded as a huge crisis and this game is massive for them. If they fail to beat Dundalk they know that Rovers can overtake them on Saturday night if they beat bottom side Bray Wanderers. However before the 2 defeats by Bray ( 2-1) and also a further defeat by Sligo 2 weeks ago in the league Bohs had been on a terrific run of 7 wins and 2 draws and were looking to cruise to the title as they did last season but now face a battle to hold onto their crown.

But Bohs are sure to be fired up for this and Boss Pat Fenlon is sure to have had some choice words this week following their cup exit. And if Bohs do click, they can be awesome as Dundalk found out earlier in the season in a 5-0 thrashing in the first league meeting of the season at Bohs Dalymount Park ground.

BOHS LAST 5 GAMES
Bohs 0-0 Dundalk ( Cup Replay – Bohs win on penalties)
Sligo 1-0 Bohs
Bohs 1-2 Bray
Bohs 0-0 Sligo ( Cup )
Sligo 2-1 Bohs ( Cup Replay)

DUNDALK 5th – Away Record W5 D3 L6

Dundalk are currently fifth in the League Of Ireland and are now well safe of any possibility of falling into the relegation zone and will see out the season hoping for as high a finish as they can get. One of the favourites for relegation at the start of the season, Sean Connor's side have certainly surprised a few people as they steadily climbed the table during the season. They have gained some impressive wins during the season too.

They managed an excellent win up in Derry by a 2-1 scoreline and also beat Cork City twice away from home. They also come into this game on the back of a 1-0 at home to fourth place Cork last week. Their league form of late has been quite a mixed bag and have managed 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their last 6. They were also knocked out of the Cup by Bohs. But Dundalk made the double winners work for it as they took them to a replay and extra time before losing on penalites.

The omens are also not so good for Dundalk in this fixure. They have played Bohs 5 times this season in league and cup and have failed to score in all 5 games against them. They will also be up against a Bohs side who cannot afford a slip up in this game so will have to be at their best to have any hope of getting a result.

DUNDALK LAST 5
Dundalk 0-0 Bohs (Cup)
Bohs 0-0 Dundalk (Cup Replay) Bohs win on penalties
Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Derry 3-0 Dundalk
Dundalk 1-0 Cork City

HEAD TO HEAD
This Season
Dundalk 0-1 Bohs
Bohs 5-0 Dundalk
Dundalk 0-2 Bohs
Dundalk 0-0 Bohs ( Cup)
Bohs 0-0 Dundalk ( Cup Replay ) Bohs win on penalties

THE BETTING VERDICT
Its a BOHS WIN for me as I just cant see them losing 3 league games on the trot. They are 1/2 to win this in bet 365 and also consider the BOHS HT/FT bet at 7/5 in Paddy Power bookmakers.

The Pick :