Two closely matched sides will face off when Drogheda United welcome Bohemians to Sullivan & Lambe Park on Friday.
The hosts occupy fourth spot in the League of Ireland Premier Division, while the visitors are one point better off in third position.
Match preview
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After surviving a relegation playoff last term, Drogheda should be pleased to be in fourth place following six wins, eight draws and three defeats in 17 matches.
However, they may be slightly frustrated by the fact they are six points adrift of the summit despite sitting top of the table as recently as matchday 14 following a 3-2 win over Cork City.
They followed that result with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers, before they played out consecutive draws with Derry City and Shelbourne, leaving them with just one win from their last eight matches (D3, L2).
They did at least record their fourth away clean sheet in Monday's goalless draw with Shelbourne, two more than any other team in the top-flight this season.
Despite their underwhelming form, Kevin Doherty's side will take confidence from the five-game unbeaten home run they have put together since losing to Shamrock Rovers on March 14.
The Drogs have already gotten the better of Bohemians this season, picking up a 1-0 victory in March's away fixture thanks to Thomas Oluwa's first-half effort.
Meanwhile, Bohemians started the 2025 season sluggishly, recording two wins, one draw, and six defeats in their opening nine league games.
However, they have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent times, having claimed six victories in their previous seven top-flight matches (L1), including wins in each of their last three outings.
Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds saw his side pull off back-to-back away wins over Galway United and Sligo Rovers, before they got the better of Shelbourne in their most recent outing.
Dayle Rooney's first-half penalty proved enough to condemn nine-man Shelbourne to a narrow 1-0 defeat, leaving them in third place and behind Derry City on goal difference, and five points away from leaders Derry City with a game in hand.
After enjoying success at Dalymount Park last Friday, Bohs will now head on their travels with hopes of recording four consecutive away league victories for the first time since March/April 2023.
Having gone winless in their last three competitive meetings, Bohemians are looking to beat Drogheda for the first time since clinching a 1-0 home win in April 2024.
Team News
Drogheda remain without the services of forward Josh Thomas, who has not played since the second league game of the season.
Midfielder Paul Doyle is unlikely to make Friday's home fixture, having sat out the last four matches due to injury.
Darragh Markey is pushing for a starting spot after returning from a three-game injury absence to feature as a substitute in Monday's draw with Shelbourne.
As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Leigh Kavanagh and Alex Lacey due to hamstring injuries.
If there are no fresh injury concerns, Reynolds could opt for consistency by naming the same lineup that started the narrow win over Shelbourne.
Connor Parsons is set to provide a useful option off the bench after returning from injury to make a substitute appearance last Friday.
Drogheda United possible starting lineup:
Dennison; Quinn, Lambe, Keeley, Kane, Ahui; Brennan, Farrell, Markey; James-Taylor, Davis
Bohemians possible starting lineup:
Chorazka; Morahan, Grehan, Cornwall, Flores; McDonnell, Devoy; Brennan, Tierney, Rooney; Clarke
We say: Drogheda United 1-1 Bohemians
Bohemians may be in better form than Friday's opponents, but Drogheda have managed to avoid defeat in each of their last five home matches, and with that in mind, we think the hosts will do enough to take a point from the tricky contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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