Derry and Galway the bankers
Cork City v Shamrock Rovers
City will be buoyed by their demolition of Derry City; they are unlikely to find Rovers in such benevolent form. Pat Scully's Scrooge-like backline has conceded against Bohs (twice) but kept clean sheets in their five other engagements thus far. The abilities of John O'Flynn and Roy O'Donovan will take the game to another level for the young Hoops, who significantly, will be without skipper Aidan Price again. Barry Ferguson is an experienced campaigner, and with Danny O'Connor and Andy Myler available again, this promises to be an intriguing contest. PaddyPower are 9/2 against a Rovers win, looks a little big. I'll have a modest punt.
Previous meetings:
No meetings between these two sides last season.
Stan James Prices
8/11 Cork
9/4 Draw
10/3 Shamrock Rovers
Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers
It's been a classic case of 'Living Next Door To Leo' for the Sligo Rovers board. The stand-in boss has impressed having been left to reassemble the scattered pieces of the Bit O'Red season. Conor O'Grady completes a suspension for the visitors. Meanwhile Paul Doolin must now plan without lynchpin Jason Gavin while attempting to stymie his side's newfound lust for scoring. The Drogs failed to impress on their last outing; the faithful will expect more at United Park.
Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 2-3 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 11 Nov 06 View Details
Drogheda Utd 2-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Aug 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 May 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
4/9 Drogheda
13/5 Draw
6/1 Sligo
Galway United v Longford Town
The bottom two merge - clash would be too strong a term - at Terryland Park. This is United's opportunity to register that elusive first win, against a Longford side who are currently sponsored by dismal. Defeat for Alan Matthews side will be a worryingly familiar scenario... the closest they've come to tasting victory was defeat in a penalty shootout at Athlone Town. I'm backing Galway with some confidence.
Previous meetings:
Stan James Prices
10/11 Galway
9/4 Draw
5/2 Longford
St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians
Lovely; this is what it's all about, as Bohs become the latest side attempting to pierce the bubble of invincibility and brashness surrounding the SuperSaints. If the voices in my head are correct, Bohs didn't manage three victories on the bounce last season; they're coming nicely to the boil now and this Dublin Derby will provide a prostate examination of the credentials of both combatants. Bohs are at full strength; Anto Murphy and Stephen Quigley are doubts for John McDonnell's side. At the prices Bohs look a worthy investment - 10/3 at BlueSquare offering the best return I've seen so far.
Previous meetings:
Bohemians 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Oct 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Jul 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
10/11 Pats
9/4 Draw
5/2 Bohs
Waterford United v Derry City
If it is true that Waterford United are set-up for the First Division, well then fans will be pleased that all seems to be unfolding in accordance with their plan. Four consecutive league reversal with nine goals conceded is First division form; but this week the Derry City School of Goalkeeping Excellence comes to the RSC. Pat Fenlon needs a win and a performance from his players before their unity unravels completely; this tie presents him with an excellent opportunity for both. Derry are overpriced and are another to be backed this weekend. Again Blue Square are biggest at 10/11.
Previous meetings:
Waterford United 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Nov 06 View Details
Derry City 4-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 30 Jul 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
10/3 Waterford
9/4 Draw
8/11 Derry
CARNEGIE PREM GAMES
Generally these games are a betting minefield at this stage of the season. Teams with little to play for may field a bunch of kids, and while that is of course the club's perogative, it's no fun if you've backed that team to win thinking they would field their strongest XI. El Punter's powder will be kept pretty dry for the remainder of the IPL campaign.
Coleraine v Ballymena United
Coleraine continue their hopeful pursuit of a fourth place spot, with Ballymena United the visitors this week. Tommy Wright's players have their celebrations out of the way now, and can concentrate solely on resurrecting their reputation for unpredictability following a recent uncharacteristic outbreak of consistency. Stephen Carson and Stuart Clanachan are on the naughty step for this one.
Previous meetings:
Ballymena United 2-3 Coleraine Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
11/10 Coleraine
9/4 Draw
2/1 Ballymena
Crusaders v Cliftonville
It may well be all over by the time Cliftonville adorn the lush pastures of Seaview at 3pm on Saturday; but there's still plenty to play for between this pair with the Reds chasing a runner-up medal and the Hatchetmen not yet ruling out a top four flourish. David Rainey sits this one out for the home side.
Previous meetings:
Cliftonville 4-2 Crusaders Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
5/2 Crusaders
9/4 Draw
10/11 Cliftonville
Donegal Celtic v Lisburn Distillery
Following five consecutive defeats, Ballymena United played the perfect visitors and rolled over to give DC the unfamiliar taste of victory, midweek. Paddy Kelly's men have progressed beyond the flirting stage with the relegation play-off; subtle enquiries about birth control are on the cards now. The absence of Pat McAllister and Anthony Lagan will be keenly felt in the run-in. The Whites imploded inexplicably during the week; undoing some previous fine form as they faltered in their pursuit of Portadown. Stuart Thompson continues his suspension.
Previous meetings:
Lisburn Distillery 4-1 Donegal Celtic Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
15/8 Donegal Celtic
11/5 Draw
6/5 Lisburn
Glenavon v Portadown
Fourth from bottom hosts fourth from top, with both outfits scrambling desperately for points. The Lurgan Blues have at last exhibited a pert rear in their last two outings, with a couple of improved performances. Unfortunately performances are of no consequence when you are but a single point from safety with three games remaining. The tortured Mourneview Park faithful have seen their side win just one league fixture in 2007. Portadown redeemed themselves somewhat against Coleraine following their non-appearance against Loughgall last weekend. Conor Walsh is marked absent for the remainder of the campaign, with Steven Caffrey unlikely to figure for Colin Malone's side.
Previous meetings:
Portadown 2-1 Glenavon Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Larne v Limavady United
Paul Curran's side are at the wrong end of a three-way relegation play-off dogfight. Both have shown that they have the capability to take points from anybody in their current frenzied state. Unfortunately for the Invermen, the Roesiders have discovered the Brazilian Within of late and will present a stern test to Larne. Another point or so would settle the nerves for JC's men and guarantee topflight action next season.
Previous meetings:
Limavady Utd 2-1 Larne Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
11/8 Larne
11/5 Draw
13/8 Limavady
Loughgall v Dungannon Swifts
The threat of relegation has been lifted at Lakeview Park, the promise of a top four finish has almost evaporated for the Swifts. Still, Harry's side have the glamour of a cup final to compensate....will the lads be playing for their places or wearing extra shinguards? Worryingly, the Stangmore Blues have failed to win any of their last five games across all competitions. A penalty shootout is not a win in betting terms!
Previous meetings:
Dungannon Swifts 3-1 Loughgall Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
10/3 Loughgall
9/4 Draw
8/11 Dungannon
Newry City v Armagh City
Both of these teams could use an insurance point, with the Eagles arriving on the back of a three match unbeaten run. Newry have fallen in their last two outings; albeit against top-drawer opposition. Still, it has that end of season feel to it.
Armagh City 1-3 Newry City Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 26 Dec 06 View Details
Stan James Prices
5/4 Newry
9/4 Draw
7/4 Armagh
posted by Walk The Chalk @ 5:13 PM
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