Bohemians take on St Pats in the Aviva Stadium to end the opening weekend to the 2026 campaign.
Coming into the fixture, both teams have been active in the transfer window. Bohemians have made massive improvements to their squad with the likes of Patrick Hickey and Sadou Diallo completing a really solid midfield.
While Pats have acted fast on replacing Mason Melia, who left for Tottenham in January, with New Zealand international Max Mata returning to the league.
Both sides have also had a rocky pre season with Bohemians losing to Leinster Senior League side Finglas United in the Leinster Senior Cup while Pats drew 1-1 with First Division side Cork City.
Key Information:
Kick Off: 14:00
Where To Watch: Virgin Media (Inside Ireland) LOItv (Outside Ireland)
Betting Odds: Bohemians @ 13/10, Draw @ 2/1, St Pats @ 19/10
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
Team News:
Bohemians have no major reports of injuries so we will get to see all of their new signings on display on the Aviva, it will be interesting to see if Alan Reynolds switches up formations or stick to what worked last season.
Reynolds celebrating key win vs Cork City in 2025
While Pats have struggled with injuries up front with Aiden Keena was seen in a boot after their 5-0 win against Longford Town a few weeks ago, while new signing Max Mata went in for a scan, but reports suggest he will be fit for his competitive debut on Sunday. We have also seen Pats display a new 3-5-2 formation in pre season with two new signings Max Mata and Ryan Edmunson up front.
Key Statistics:
Pats have not beaten Bohs since March 2025. The past two meetings of the team have been 0-0 draws. In the past two 0-0 draws, There has been a combined total of 51 shots. They have both been entertaining 0-0 draws with end to end football.
Key Players:
For Bohemians, the player to look out for will be the constant threat Dayle Rooney. Rooney had 11 goal contributions last season and consistently getting 7/10 performances.
For St Pats, Chris Forrester will be the main outlet for Stephen Kennys men for the 8th season in a row since returning back to the Saints.
Forrester is a constant threat and knows the Aviva well from winning the 2014, 2021 and 2023 FAI Cup with the Saints, scoring that famous solo goal in the 2021 final against Sundays oppenents.
Forrester pictured celebrating the 2021 FAI Cup final win
Previous Meetings:
20/10/2025- Bohemians 0-0 St Pats
04/07/2025- St Pats 0-0 Bohemians
25/04/2025- Bohemians 2-1 St Pats
14/03/2025- St Pats 3-0 Bohemians