Preview: Bohemians vs Drogheda United - prediction, team news, lineups

In a crucial clash in the race for the League of Ireland title, second-placed Bohemians will face Drogheda United at home on Friday at Dalymount Park.

Bohemians were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Derry City on July 25, and their points tally of 42 is seven fewer than league leaders Shamrock Rovers, while Drogheda trail their hosts by four points.

Match preview

The home side created few opportunities of note against Derry City, generating one big chance while producing just two shots on target.

Bohemians have created the second-fewest big chances of any team in the division after 25 matchweeks (34), though their average of five shots on target per game is second only to Shamrock Rovers’ total (5.7).

Bohs’ return of 31 league goals is the fifth-best record among the 10 top-flight clubs in the division, while their defensive record of 23 goals conceded is the joint best.

Boss Alan Reynolds has overseen an unbeaten period of six games – five in the league – with his side winning three and keeping four clean sheets.

Bohemians have been exceptional at home considering they have achieved victory in seven of their nine most recent outings at Dalymount Park, losing just once in that time.

Opponents Drogheda last played a league match on July 4, a game in which they beat Galway United 1-0 after Dare Kareem netted his side’s only shot on target of the clash in the 50th minute.

The Drogs have only scored 29 league goals this term, the joint third-worst record in the top flight.

Head coach Kevin Doherty has led his side to two victories against Friday’s hosts this season, with his team winning 1-0 in March and 1-0 in late May.

The visitors' displays of late have been mixed, as while they are hoping to win their third consecutive fixture in all competitions, they have drawn two, lost two and won two of their six most recent outings in the League of Ireland.

Drogheda are also winless away from home in their past eight games on the road, suffering three defeats.

Bohemians League of Ireland Premier form:

Bohemians form (all competitions):

Drogheda United League of Ireland Premier form:

Drogheda United form (all competitions):

Team News

Bohemians centre-back Alex Lacey is dealing with a hamstring injury, and his absence is likely to lead to the selection of Cian Byrne, Robert Cornwall and Jordan Flores.

Niall Morahan and James Clarke could feature in the middle of the pitch given Archie Meekison has been ruled out.

In the forward line, fans may see a front three consisting of Ross Tierney, Douglas James-Taylor and Adam McDonnell.

The visitors will not travel with defenders Elicha Ahui and George Cooper, and their injuries likely mean Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley and Aaron Harper-Bailey will play in the heart of a back five.

Striker Thomas Oluwa is set to be stationed between wingers Darragh Markey and Dare Kareem, while midfielders Ryan Brennan and Luke Heeney are certain to come into manager Doherty’s thinking.

Bohemians possible starting lineup:

Chorazka; Byrne, Cornwall, Flores; Rooney, Morahan, Clarke, Devoy; Tierney, James-Taylor, McDonnell

Drogheda United possible starting lineup:

Dennison; Quinn, Keeley, Harper-Bailey; Lambe, Heeney, Brennan, Kane; Markey, Kareem, Oluwa

We say: Bohemians 2-1 Drogheda United

Drogheda’s form on their travels has been poor, and they are unlikely to find Friday’s game any easier.

Bohemians have also been excellent at home, and though the visitors could prove challenging given they have won both encounters against them this campaign, it is difficult to look past the hosts considering their strong displays.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.