Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Irish Premier Division match.
The Irish Premier Division enters a round where 40% of the sides are not in action, yet key positions in the standings are still up for grabs. Galway United have a chance to catch and overtake a direct competitor, while Bohemian FC remain firmly in pursuit of Derry City.
Bohemian FC
Bohemian FC can move above Derry City, currently two points clear, with a win in this fixture. Securing third place outright without the need for play-offs would be a major accomplishment for the squad. Every point counts now, especially after consecutive draws at the end of June and beginning of July. They were unexpectedly held at home by second-from-bottom Sligo Rovers (1:1), then played out a goalless draw against St. Patrick's Athletic the following week.
Galway United
Galway United have also failed to take advantage of St. Patrick's Athletic's poor run — the latter have earned just two points from their last five matches. Galway United have only managed four points during the same stretch. Their most recent victory came on 20 June, when they beat St Patrick's Athletic (3:1). Since then, Galway United have found goals hard to come by, netting only twice in their next three games. That spell produced just one draw, and they remain three points behind.
Bohemian FC vs Galway United Prediction
It's clear that Bohemian are not at their peak, but Galway United have also shown little quality. At the very least, the hosts are unlikely to lose, especially given Galway United’s poor away form: just two draws from their last six away fixtures, with five of those matches finishing with a total under 2.5 goals.
