Bohemians will aim to avenge their Third Round Cup defeat when they head West to play Sligo Rovers on Saturday night.
The Showgrounds will see the Gypsies and the Bit O’ Red battle it out for Europe and survival in the Premier Division respectively, in what will be a crucial fixture for both sides’ respective ambitions.
LAST TIME OUT
Sligo Rovers come into this fixture off the back of a crucial 2-1 win away to Waterford, tightening the gap between the two sides to just five points.
Bohemians will be hoping to build on an impressive 3-0 home win against an otherwise in form Cork City.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The two sides have met four times this season, three times in the league and once in the FAI Cup, with Bohs winning twice, Sligo winning once, and one draw.
The since departed Lys Mousset was the difference as Bohemians ran out 1-0 winners in their last visit to The Showgrounds.
4 March: Bohemians 4-2 Sligo Rovers (League)
17 May: Sligo Rovers 0-1 Bohemians (League)
27 June: Bohemians 1-1 Sligo Rovers (League)
15 August: Bohemians 0-1 Sligo Rovers (Cup)
KEY PLAYERS
Sligo Rovers: Owen Elding has scored in each of his visits to Dalymount Park this season.
The 19-year-old scored a particularly impressive long range effort in the Bit O’Red’s last visit to Dalymount Park as well as dealing the knockout blow two weeks ago.
He currently has 11 goals this season, ten in the league and one in the FAI Cup.
Bohemians: Having struggled to get into the starting eleven due to illness, Douglas James-Taylor returned with a flourish, scoring twice against Cork City as well as on his home debut against Galway United.
The Englishman was signed from Drogheda United and scored a penalty in his former side’s FAI Cup final win over Derry City in November.
He currently has five goals in 17 games this season, being a consistent starter in County Louth, but less so in North Dublin due to his aforementioned illness.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bohemians’ trips to the Yeats’ County has largely yielded success, winning three of their last four visits, stretching back to 2023.
In addition, Bohs have a better head to head record as during the same period, the Phibsboro side have won seven, with three wins for Sligo and two draws.
Although Sligo Rovers will aim to frustrate Alan Reynolds’ side, Bohemians’ recent history against the Bit O’Red, combined with overall better quality, should be enough to squeak the Gypsies over the line.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 0-2 Bohemians
Match Info
Venue: The Showgrounds
Kickoff: Saturday, August 30 – 7.45pm
Referee: Paul Norton
TV: LOI TV
Odds: Sligo Rovers 16/5, Draw 13/5, Bohemians 8/11 (PaddyPower)
Photo Credit: Darren O’Hanlon