LOI preview: Dundalk aim to bring Bohs towards bottom

The most low-key week of the Premier Division brings two matches tonight that could alter the relegation race or leave an inevitability about the bottom two.

Bohemians host Dundalk at Dalymount Park knowing a defeat would see them sucked into the battle of the bottom.

A win for the home side will return their advantage to seven points, including two matches in hand.

The FAI Cup changed the mood in the respective camps since their last league outings.

Bohs were downcast after a run of one win in 11 continued with a loss to Sligo Rovers, while the Lilywhites enjoyed a rare victory over Drogheda United.

But the Gypsies eliminated arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers last week and Jon Daly's men were beaten by their Louth neighbours in a rematch at Weavers Park.

Both sides have been very active in transfer window, seeking to overhaul their respective squads.

Dawson Devoy made his first appearance since re-signing for the club last week but has to sit out tonight due to a suspension from his time at MK Dons.

Bohs boss Alan Reynolds said: "I believed we had been improving, and the players were able to channel that frustration into doing everything we needed to do to beat [Shamrock] Rovers last week.

"That was important for the group and for me I was extremely pleased for the players because there's no doubt that their confidence has taken a knock over the past while.

"Dundalk are a team in transition, a bit like ourselves. Jon Daly is looking to put his own stamp on things like I am myself and he has made changes.

"They have players capable of hurting us, and like us they need results. We will respect them but again the most important thing for us is getting our own game right and focusing on what we can do."

Andy Boyle, Dara Keane and Paul Doyle