Bohemians -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

Bohemians
Bohemians will aim to bounce back after their midweek elimination from the Setanta Sports Cup at the hands of Crusaders by entertaining cross-city rivals St Patrick's Athletic at Dalymount Park during a traditional Sunday afternoon clash (kick off 4.00).

Back-to-back league champions only three years ago, Bohs' young squad has suffered a calamitous start to the league season, currently bringing up the rear of the division having failed to register any points in their opening three games, and without a goal scored. Manager Aaron Callaghan maintains that Bohemians simply "need to get over that first hurdle" and cut out the individual errors that have cost them thus far.
 
Bohs have incurred narrow losses against strong Derry and Sligo sides though their 0-2 loss at home to closest neighbours Shelbourne does not bode well for the visit of the Saints. Callaghan will have some cause for optimism ahead of the encounter due to the expected return of absentees Danny Joyce, Keith Ward and Stephen Traynor.

St. Patrick's Athletic
St. Patrick's Athletic will cross the Liffey on Sunday knowing that a win will see them equal the points tallies of Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers at the top of the Premier Division. Liam Buckley's men will look to extend their unbeaten run having drawn their most recent outing, a winnable tie against newly-promoted Monaghan United. 

The Saints will not be aided by Dean Kelly, however, who has scored two of his side's four league goals so far, due to suspension. However, Seán O'Connor could return as well as former Bohs' man Christy Fagan. Fagan found the net eleven times in the league for Bohs last season, and could make his league début for Pat's having transferred between the sides over the winter break. 

"It was really frustrating to have to sit out the league games" Fagan said ahead of the game, alluding to the red card from the end of last season that has delayed his first league appearance. "But this is one I'm really up for" he continued, "all Dublin derbies are big games and this will be no different". 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

Match Stats

The last time these sides met was late last season in Dalymount for the final of the Leinster Senior Cup, St Pat's emerging victorious.

Both squads boast six players that lined out for their opponents last season.

Bohemians have not won a match since their Setanta Sports Cup game against Portadown on February 20th.

Betting

Bohemians 13/5; Draw 21/10; St Pat's 11/10.

Prediction
0-1

Bohemians Injury News: None
Bohemians Suspension News: None

St Patrick's Athletic Injury News: Aidan Price
St Patrick's Athletic Suspension News: Dean Kelly