Derry the Banker

Bray Wanderers v Bohemians
Eddie Gormley's new look home side were reasonable in the Brandywell in their opener - going down by the only goal of the game. The influential and hughly talented Andrei Georgescu is still out while heartbeat of the team Colm Tresson is also doubtful.

Bohs also have some problems as new signings Neale Fenn and Harpal Singh miss out. Flash Mansaram will partner Glen Crowe upfront while Tomo Heary comes back to the midfield. I expect Bohs to have a little too much for Bray. The 5/4 at Blue Square is tempting on Bohs but Bray may yet prove tough to beat at the Carlisle Grounds this season. No bet.

Stan James prices
5/2 Bray Wanderers
2/1 Draw
EVS Bohemians


Drogheda Utd v UCD
It's been three games without a goal for Drogheda so far and already the same concerns as last season are resurfacing about their ineffectiveness in front of the keeper. The unconvincing Glen Fitzpatrick looks set to start up front tonight with Declan O'Brien. The striking duo's chances of scoring are boosted by the absence of one of the UCD key men in Tony McDonnell, while the Drogs steely defence should hold UCD scoreless. If you can find a bookie sleeping on the correct score front you may be able to back 1-0 Drogs at 7/1 or so - this should really be priced at 4 or 5/1 so there's value for those firms who just lift the scores from a chart. Backing the unders on goals looks sensible too.

Stan James prices
8/15 Drogheda Utd
12/5 Draw
5/1 UCD


Cork City v Galway United
The live game sees Cork bid to put the brakes on the start to the season which it's not too unfair to call catastrophic. A brace of defeats and a draw against Dungannon is not exactly what you'd call springing from the traps. Joe Gamble kicking out like a spoilt child to pick up a Setanta suspension and Roy O'Donovan berating his midfield for not getting the ball to him are further signs that Turners Cross is no smurf village of bliss at the moment.

Much fancied Galway got a kick in the town halls last weekend when outplayed by fellow westerners Sligo Roves. Tony Cousins will gladly take a point from this game - Rico needs a win. FIFA rules keep half of the Cork midfield in the stands, if John O'Flynn can be convinced he's fit enough to play then Cork should take the win.

It's not really one for betting, the advice would be to leave Cork out of any accumulators. Sporting Odds are a distinctly out of line 3/5 (somewhere between 8/13 and 4/7) on the home side if you must back them.

Stan James prices
4/9 Cork
13/5 Draw
6/1 Galway


St Patrick's Athletic v Waterford Utd
Well well well isn't the sun shining on Inchicore as the most upbeat era since Saintmania comes to fruition with Brian Kerr back at the club, new investors, security on the stadium and goal scoring for fun. Stephen Paisley's signing from Longford is a good one though registration complications may see him delay his debut. Waterford were also busy in the transfer market picking up former Shels cat Dean Delaney. The new keeper could be in for a busy night as St Pats look to continue their impressive opening to the 2007 campaign. BetChronicle.com are 1.65 (a shade under 4/6) and represent a bit of value.

Stan James prices
8/15 St Pats
12/5 Draw
5/1 Waterford


Sligo Rovers v Derry City
This game is on Saturday and it seems the bookies have done a significant revision of Sligo's capabilities following their win over Galway. Rovers still have no manager and apparently problems clearing the registrations of some new players as well as some general unrest among the fans about the board. For me there are still big questions about what is happening a Sligo, they are a team to oppose at the moment. No reason to doubt the credentials of Derry who have kept clean sheets in their 3 outings this season thus far. Sporting Odds are 11/10, Derry should not be odds against - get stuck in chaps!

Stan James prices
3/1 Sligo
9/4 Draw
4/5 Derry


Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town
A difficult tie to assess; Rovers are missing a few - including Ger Rowe while Tadhg Purcell isn't starting and Andy Myler may not be fully fit either. This raises questions about where the goals will come from for the Hoops to win this game. Longford surprised many with a decent performance when going down to Pats last week they could well hold Pat Scully's men to a draw.
Not one for punting in my opinion.

Stan James prices
4/5 Shamrock Rvs
9/4 Draw
3/1 Longford