- Bohemians sit 2nd in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with 43 points from 25 games in 2026
- Bohemians have won three consecutive league games following back-to-back defeats in June
- St. Joseph's qualified for Europe off the back of a solid 2025-26 season in the Gibraltar Football League
Bohs are the favourites
Gibraltar qualifiers St. Joseph's will travel to Dalymount Park for their first ever competitive clash with Bohemian FC Dublin in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualification journey. The Irish side are clear favourites for this one at 1/4, with the draw coming in at a juicy 27/5 and a Bohs win to nil betting option looks like the best bet here.
Bohs are in good form, having won three straight league games after suffering back-to-back losses in June. Their 3-0 win at Shelbourne last time out saw the team hit their stride once more with the swagger returning to the attacking line. Dawson Devoy provides the spark and has the quality in the final third to unlock a low block, while Colm Whelan has been a key figure in their recent run, providing a focal point to their attack.
Ross Tierney provides drive and a set-piece threat from the middle of the park, and with Bohs playing a structured, high tempo brand of football where they pack the wide areas and play with a transition bite, this game could suit them if they can break the first line quickly.
St. Joseph’s will be tough to break down
St. Joseph's should make this a tough match for Bohs, however, after Alberto Cifuentes set them up to be a results-driven unit who will sit deep, stay compact, and look to nick chances on counters and from set pieces.
Pablo Rodríguez finished among the league's top scorers in the 2025-26 Gibraltar Football League campaign and he provides a poacher's edge to this St. Joseph's side. Javi Forján also chipped in with double-digit goals last season, so St. Joseph's can be dangerous on the counter.
Bohs can dominate possession
Bohs will win this game if they can control possession and the contrast of this fixture screams possession vs counterpunch. Dalymount Park should be dry and fast for this encounter, which suits Bohs style of football and they'll be looking to get this European campaign off to the best possible start.
St. Joseph's can make it scrappy if they stay compact but we're backing the home side to dominate the possession and we expect Bohs to win this first leg and take a slight edge into the return fixture.
