Making a dollar from the Quarters

IRISH CUP QUARTER FINALS

Dungannon Swifts v Armagh City

The Swifts haven't won a match since they accounted for Newry City in the last round of the JJB Sports Cup; the same applies to Friday night's opponents Armagh City. Stephen Hyndes is out for the Eagles. Both sides are struggling to produce their best form, and as this competition represents their last realistic chance of silverware this season it's all to play for. Shane McCabe definitely sits this one out for the home side; result rather than performance is what counts in the Cup, regardless of what Harry Fay says.

4/6 Dungannon
12/5 Draw
7/2 Armagh

Recent meetings:
Armagh City 0-1 Dungannon Swifts Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 11 Nov 06

Armagh City 2-0 Dungannon Swifts CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 16 Sep 06

Dungannon Swifts 2-0 Armagh City CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 25 Aug 06



Ballymena United v Linfield

Since a disappointing defeat at Glenavon early in January Ballymena have gotten their act together. Still, Tommy Wright's men will need to be at the pinnacle of their abilities if they are to dislodge the holders. They'll also need to score against the Blues, something they haven't managed in two meetings this season. Gary Haveron returns to bring the squad up to full strength. Linfield meanwhile, are flying high on the back of seven consecutive victories; not least of those, their hugely impressive performance in Drogheda last Monday. Success comes at a price for the Blues, with Tim McCann definitely out, Timmy Adamson and Pat McShane unavailable; Paul McAreavey is doubtful and Conor Downey is cup-tied. Can't back against Linfield here.

11/2 Ballymena
12/5 Draw
1/2 Linfield

Recent meetings:
Linfield 2-0 Ballymena United Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 17 Feb 06

Ballymena United 0-0 Linfield Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 21 Oct 06

Cliftonville v Portadown

There has been nothing between this pair thus far, although Cliftonville's non-involvement in the Setanta Cup should stand them in good stead against what may be a leggy Ports eleven. Ronnie McFall's men will find it difficult to ignore the fact that they have another tough encounter on Monday night. Skipper John Convery is out, and Philip Craig remains doubtful. With Gareth McKeown cup-tied, the squad is being stretched a bit at Shamrock Park. While Micky Collins is an able deputy in defence, Ports invariably miss his midfield presence - Ronnie's call. The Solitude side haven't conceded a goal since Larne put two past John Connolly in the previous round. Reds captain, Liam Fleming, sits this one out while Chris Scannell is still injured. The draw is perhaps the best bet here but I'll keep my powder dry.

5/4 Cliftonville
2/1 Draw
2/1 Portadown

Recent meetings:
Portadown 2-2 Cliftonville Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 1 Jan 07

Cliftonville 0-0 Portadown Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 30 Sep 06

Lisburn Distillery v Crusaders

Again, two sides who have proven to be inseperable are drawn together in a tasty cup-tie. A single point between them in the table; both lost two of their last six league games; similar goalscoring records. The Whites have a better defensive record, courtesy of Crusaders' profligacy whenever they lose at home. David Rainey and Colin Coates are suspended for the Hatchetmen, who have Chris Morrow back after his 4 game suspension. Andy Kilmartin is suspended for the home side, who should have Paul Muir and Ryan McCann back in harness for this vital game. I fancy Lisburn for the win, but won't bet until a better price presents itself.

6/5 Lisburn
11/5 Draw
15/8 Crusaders

Recent meetings:
Crusaders 1-1 Lisburn Distillery Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 17 Feb 07

Lisburn Distillery 1-1 Crusaders Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 21 Oct 06

Lisburn and Swifts to pay our way to Setantaville

Glentoran v Newry City
Friday night football for the Glens, who've endured another trying week. Question marks are being placed after question marks with reference to the paper-bag defending of Paul Millar's side. They had to endure extra-time on a sticky surface on Tuesday night and the legs may still be a bit heavy, especially after having another potential route to silverware blocked off. That CIS Cup success is beginning to look priceless. Nevertheless they should have enough in reserve to dismiss the challenge of a Newry City side which can ill afford the absence of the talismanic Paddy McLaughlin.

4/11 Glentoran
3/1 Draw
13/2 Newry City


Portadown v Larne
Another side to lose a pivotal player are the Ports. John Convery's injury has come at a dreadful time, with the Setanta Cup looming. Gareth McKeown is an able deputy tonight against a Larne side who should have Colm Kearney back from injury. Unfortunately Aaron Black is again unavailable through suspension, likewise Julian Ward. Paul Curran's side have shown that they they won't lie down for anyone; but Ronnie's Reds are a class above them.

1/4 Portadown
7/2 Draw
9/1 Larne


Armagh City v Lisburn Distillery
Having won six league games on the bounce, the Whites have followed that up with one win in six. The Eagles have returned empty handed in five of their last six league outings. Uninspiring stuff, but these are two sides who never fail to surprise or disappoint for that matter. Lisburn have the ability to win this game quite comfortably, and Armagh always have the ability to concede a bag load of goals. I'm punting Lisburn here.

2/1 Armagh
9/4 Draw
11/10 Lisburn


Ballymena United v Dungannon Swifts
It's top of the bottom half versus bottom of the top half by the Braid.The Sky Blues have finally begun to achieve something akin to consistency of effort and performance; but as their on the 'top sides' fixture rota there haven't been too many points forthcoming. The Swifts are on the same fixture rota; equally they have not been amassing points, just three defeats in a row. Week upon week Harry Fay's side are suffering the striking equivalent of brewer's droop, and they are in serious danger of collecting a fourth should they take their eye off the ball against Tommy Wright's charges. However I will persevere with the Swifts and back them to go in to the Setanta Cup with 3 extra points in the bag.

13/8 Ballymena
2/1 Draw
6/4 Dungannon


Cliftonville v Loughgall
Loughgall, who've collected 1 point from a possible thirty on the road this season challenge the division's only remaining unbeaten home record. One for the accumulators.

1/4 Cliftonville
7/2 Draw
9/1 Loughgall


Crusaders v Coleraine
This is a tasty pairing...two sides who can still maintain fantasies of a fourth place finish, and a single point separating them. John Neill is suspended for the Bannsiders who surrendered their eight game winning streak last time out. The Crues have been in decent form of late without setting the league on fire - one defeat in six is not a bad ratio. I don't think it's one for betting on.

6/5 Crusaders
11/5 Draw
15/8 Coleraine


Limavady United v Glenavon
David Bracken is available for the Mourneview side; his red card of last week has been appealed. Steven Caffrey's whereabouts remain a mystery, and the Lurgan Blues continue to be a side which amounts to less than the sum of its parts. Curiously, they've collected more points on the road than at home, and are always capable of springing an unlikely result. Colin Malone's side can feel the cold wind of relegation play-offs blowing up their shorts and desperately need the three points. The Roesiders have delighted their fans with their efforts of late, the dismissal of Coleraine last week was a particular high, and victory here could take them within a point of Ballymena United - dizzy heights and all that. Neither side to be trusted with money though.

11/10 Limavady
9/4 Draw
2/1 Glenavon


Linfield v Donegal Celtic
It may be a historic occasion, but there are still only three points on offer. Daithi Mor's selection should be interesting given that the Blues face Drogheda United on Monday night. DC have been an irritant to the top sides on the road this season, and would love to take a point away from Windsor Park, never mind three. They've lost only one of their last seven games, but remain perilously close to the relegation turnstile. Pat McAllister continues his spectator duties thanks to a hefty suspension. The draw is reasonable value if you must have a bet, I wouldn't put Linfield in to any accumulators.

2/7 Linfield
7/2 Draw
15/2 Donegal Celtic

In The Swifts and Coleraine We Trust

Newry City v Loughgall

Defender Glenn Waddell begins a two game ban for Loughgall, who have managed just a single point on the road this season; boss Shane Reddish has been making angry sounds this week, and changes are imminent following a perceived lack of effort from the Villagers squad. A perfect opportunity then for managerial novice, Gerry Flynn, to get his new career off the mark against the division's most dismal side. Flynn has Peter Hyndes back from a ban and Cormac McArdle returning from injury. Looks a Newry win, but there's better value elsewhere this weekend.

4/6 Newry
12/5 Draw
7/2 Loughgall


Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts

Cliftonville are without central defensive duo Davy McAlinden and Declan O' Hara; as well as the influential midfielder George McMullan, thanks to the vagaries of the IFA's disciplinary procedures. The Reds seek to stretch their unbeaten league run to 8 games against the Swifts, who are unsullied by suspensions. Harry Fay's side have offered a mixed bag of late; but their recent victory at the Oval will be on Eddie Patterson's mind, as well as his side's unbeaten home record. Most bookies look to have priced this without reference to Reds injury problems, El Punter's money is on Dungannon.

10/11 Cliftonville
9/4 Draw
5/2 Dungannon


Crusaders v Lisburn Distillery

David Rainey will sit this one out for the Hatchetmen, who have rediscovered their form of late. Meanwhile, Paul Kirk's men have put their great mid-season run behind them, and must field without Conor Hagan, Stuart Thompson and Ryan Catney. Whenever Stephen Baxter's men have lost at home in the league this season they have conceded three goals; I can't see the Whites scaling those heights in a game where only a win will do for both teams. I'll sit this one out.

5/4 Crusaders
9/4 Draw
7/4 Lisburn


Glenavon v Donegal Celtic

Colin Malone will be without Ross Black for this one, but it's up front where his real concerns lie. The Lurgan Blues outplayed Lisburn Distillery last time out yet managed to find themselves turned over 4-1. Nothing less than victory will be accomodated against a DC eleven who have not won on their travels this term. Paddy Kelly's men will miss the input of Pat McAllister who begins a four-match ban today; victory for his side would lift them above their opponents, and further away from the relegation quicksands. Two teams not to be trusted for betting purposes.

5/4 Glenavon
9/4 Draw
7/4 Donegal Celtic


Glentoran v Larne

Paul Millar will have a Big Mac on the bench with him for this game. Will Alan McDonald's influence help to put the handbrake on the Cock and Hens alarming descent into also-ran land? One win in 7 outings is the stuff of freefall. 10 from 12 is the stuff of Champions, although mid-table anonymity will satisfy Paul Curran's side at this stage. Aaron Black's absence will leave a big gap in the side which managed a step-up with a scoreless draw with Crusaders on their last outing. An intriguing tie but not one for betting.

3/10 Glentoran
10/3 Draw
15/2 Larne


Limavady United v Coleraine

In spite of losing crucial squad members during the transfer window, John Cunningham has continued to extract some fine performances from his men. The combined suspensions of Martin Cutmore and John Curran will further complicate things for the Roesiders. Points mean prizes, and they need to start picking some up. Coleraine have won an incredible 8 league games on the bounce; they have become addicted to the winning habit and will be determined to assert their advantage in the battle for entry to the top four. The money's on Coleraine.

5/2 Limavady
9/4 Draw
10/11 Coleraine


Linfield v Ballymena United

It has to be a Blue Day for someone in this interesting Irish cup full dress rehearsal. Tommy Wright's men, for whom Gavin Melaugh and Garth Scates are unavailable due to suspension, have been as consistent as they can be of late. The predictability of Linfield is the most powerful force at work here however; unbeaten since opening day, they peppered the Sky Blue's back four when these two locked horns by the Braid in October. Home win, but at that price I can let it pass.

2/7 Linfield
7/2 Draw
15/2 Ballymena


Portadown v Armagh City

There wasn't much between these two when Ports took the points at Holm Park earlier this season. Since then Ronnie's men have impressed onlookers with their solid consistency. Mickey Collins appears to be back on board as the Reds endeavour to re-impose themselves on the title chase. Kieran O'Connor and Liam Cullen are unavailable for Gary McKinstry, whose side picked up maximum points last time out, following 4 consecutive reversals. Include Ports if you are dealing with a 19th century style minimum trebles layer.

2/5 Portadown
11/4 Draw
13/2 Armagh City

Lurgan Blues to sink the Lough again

Armagh City v Limavady United

Keith Percy joined the Eagles ranks this week; while Limavady were giving Linfield an almighty scare. The home side have lost their last 4 league outings, albeit against top 5 sides. Realistically these two are challenging to finish top of the bottom. There hasn't been a drawn game at Holm Park this term ....maybe this is the first?

11/10 Armagh
9/4 Draw
2/1 Limavady


Ballymena United v Portadown

Ballymena's relentless pursuit to perfect unpredictability continues; but to be fair too the Braidmen they gave both Crusaders and Cliftonville a good game in recent clashes. Portadown are the most consistent side in the league- with the meanest defence - and only Linfield and Cliftonville have stopped them taking maximum points on their travels thus far. Ports to win again, I don't like the price enough to bet however.

10/3 Ballymena
9/4 Draw
8/11 Portadown


Coleraine v Newry City

Marty Quinn should have threatened to resign earlier in the season! Unbeaten in 9, with 7 consecutive wins is title winning form. But all runs must end somewhere, and how the Newry City faithful would love to see Gerry Flynn announce his stewardship with an unlikely victory by the Bann. City haven't collected three points in a game since their Boxing Day outing at Holm Park. Not punting here either.

4/6 Coleraine
12/5 Draw
7/2 Newry


Donegal Celtic v Glentoran

Add skin and banana to the line above. DC took a point from the Glenmen at the Oval earlier in the campaign. Paddy Kelly has brought in a couple of bodies on loan from Bohemians who may get a run today. Windy's men have harvested just 4 points from the last 18, only lowly Loughgall have done worse. They absolutely cannot afford to drop anything against the side which starts the game third from bottom and I don't expect them to.

9/2 Donegal Celtic
12/5 Draw
4/7 Glentoran


Dungannon Swifts v Linfield

The Swifts recent form came unstuck against Crusaders last time out. They've disappointed before their own supporters against the top sides this season. Linfield are in pole position now, without showing anything remotely like last season's form, and it's an ominous sight for anyone with title aspirations. The league needs a favour from Harry Fay's side but I don't see it happening - Linfield for the win.

7/2 Dungannon
12/5 Draw
4/6 Linfield


Larne v Crusaders

Paul Curran has lit the fuse up Inver way. Three wins on the bounce from a side which had previously managed only a win and a draw all season is a massive turnaround. Stephen Baxter has steadied what had become a leaky vessel of late, and it will need a step up from the home side if they are to take anything from the Hatchetmen - best watched.

3/1 Larne
9/4 Draw
4/5 Crusaders


Lisburn Distillery v Cliftonville

An intriguing pairing down Ballyskeagh way. Fresh from their closely fought Antrim Shield Final clash, the Whites will be gunning for revenge and three points as they seek to haul themselves back into the battle for a potential Setanta Cup spot. Eddie Patterson clearly has not convinced his charges that they have no chance of winning the league; they seem determined to embarrass their boss.

6/4 Lisburn
11/5 Draw
6/4 Cliftonville


Loughgall v Glenavon

Last week's roasting at Larne should force Glenavon to treat the Villagers with maximum respect. The home side may suffer the ignominy here of becoming the first side to concede 50 goals in this season's race; and they've yet to win a single game. You've got to back Glenavon at odds against really...at least we know they are capable of winning!

15/8 Loughgall
11/5 Draw
6/5 Glenavon