Two contrasting styles will meet in Dublin
St Patrick's Athletic are favourites for Friday’s Dublin Derby against Bohemian FC Dublin in what promises to be a fascinating clash of footballing philosophies. Our St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin prediction will consider how these styles could influence the outcome.
The hosts, who sit in sixth place in the Premier Division 2025 with 31 points from 24 games, play a patient, possession-based game based around controlling the pace and dictating the tempo in midfield. Manager Stephen Kenny, who took over in May 2024, has attempted to tighten up their shape and discipline this season, but the results have yet to follow.
Bohs, who stand in third in the same table with 37 points from 22, are a much more direct side that aim to play at pace and press from the front. Alan Reynolds has had an immediate impact on the team since taking over in March 2024, injecting an attacking verve and tactical freshness that has taken the side back into European contention. According to this St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin preview, both managers will be eager to outwit each other tactically.
Bohs have momentum
The Saints are winless in five, drawing two and losing three of their last five in all competitions, their most recent results being a 0-1 defeat at home to Derry City and a 0-0 draw at Cork City. Bohs have been in better form, however, winning three, drawing one and losing one of their last five, including a 2-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers and a 1-1 away draw at Sligo Rovers. When considering St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin odds, the visitors’ momentum cannot be overlooked.
Despite St. Pats’ poor form, they are 1.84 favorites for this game, with the visitors in the outright market at 4.00. But Bohs are in superior league form, have the momentum and appear to be making the most of their attacking potential, so the St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin prediction here is tilted towards Bohemian FC at current prices.
Goals are the way to go
The draw at 3.60 has some appeal, but we think both teams to score is a potentially sharper bet given their respective recent defensive records. Based on our St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin betting tips, markets such as both teams to score and over 2.5 goals warrant strong consideration.
Aidan Keena has been St. PAT’s star up front, scoring six in 18 Premier Division matches, while Colm Whelan has been the Bohs’ talisman with four in 21.
Bohs won the last Premier Division head-to-head 2-1.
St. PAT’s have averaged 1.0 goal in that run and Bohs just 0.3 as visitors, so it is difficult to get too excited about either side’s potential to hit the back of the net, but Dayle Rooney has been in good form recently, providing three of Bohs’ last seven league goals, so there is some attacking thrust.
Keena will need help if St. PAT’s are to break the dry spell that has seen them fail to win their last three. This St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemian FC Dublin prediction also suggests that goals could be the deciding factor.
But the Dublin derby spice of this encounter, in which not only points are at stake, but city bragging rights and stylistic pride, could produce a cracking game.
