Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Friday, May 23, in the 17th round of the Irish Premier Division, Drogheda United will host Bohemians. Kick-off is set for 20:45 Central European Time. My focus is on the total goals market for this fixture.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- Drogheda United have won just 1 of their last 5 matches.
- Bohemians have claimed victory in 4 of their previous 5 matches.
- Drogheda United are unbeaten at home in their last 5 games.
- Bohemians have won three away games in a row.
- In Round 4 this season, Drogheda United defeated Bohemians 1-0.
Match preview
Drogheda United started the current campaign brightly, but the claret and blue side then hit a rough patch. As a result, Drogheda now sit in fourth place with 26 points, just one point behind both third and second place. At the same time, St Patrick's, currently fifth, are also just one point adrift.
Heading into the clash with Bohemians, Drogheda are on a three-game winless run. In the previous round, they played out a goalless draw with Shelbourne, following a 1-1 draw against Derry City and a 0-3 defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Over their last five fixtures, Drogheda have managed to collect only six points.
Bohemians, on the other hand, have seen a dramatic turnaround. The 'Gypsies' made a poor start to the season, but a string of positive results has lifted them to third in the table. The red-and-blacks now lead Drogheda by a single point, with Derry City ahead of Bohemians only on goal difference.
Bohemians' football isn't the most entertaining, but their pragmatic style is getting results lately. In their last two matches, the 'Gypsies' have recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins over Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers, after previously beating Galway United 2-1.
Probable lineups
- Drogheda United: Dennison, Lambe, Ahui, Keeley, Quinn, Kane, Brennan, Farrell, Heeney, James-Taylor, Davis
- Bohemians: Horajka, Morahan, Grehan, Cornwall, Wallace, McDonnell, Devoy, Tierney, Rooney, Brennan, Clarke
Drogheda United vs Bohemians prediction
There's a provisional third place—and a spot in European competition—at stake. This is a crucial match for both sides, so I expect them to play it safe. My bet is on under 3 goals in this game.
