Pats to take the points out West

Bohemians v Galway United

Bohs last week presented their credentials for a full inspection against current table-toppers St. Pats, and were not found wanting. This presents a daunting scenario then for a Galway side which hasn't managed a goal on the road yet. The time for all the 'false position' guff has to stop now if United are to survive in the top tier. Last week presented them with an ideal chance to get a first win under their belt; yet again they fluffed their lines. However Bohs look to short for a bet. Pass.

Previous meetings:

No games between these two sides last season.

Stan James Prices
4/7 Bohs
12/5 Draw
9/2 Galway

Bray Wanderers v Cork City

Three defeats on the bounce, aligned with a publicly apologetic manager surely is beginnning to wear thin for followers of the Seagulls. There were big changes in the playing staff off-season, but on the pitch not much has changed. Schoolgirl defending has been their downfall, and a Cork City outfit which is beginning to feel it's way into the season will surely take full advantage. 10/11 is a betting price for the Leesiders.

Stan James Prices
3/1 Bray
9/4 Draw
4/5 Cork

Previous meetings:

Bray Wanderers 2-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Oct 06 View Details
Cork City 6-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 29 Sep 06 View Details
Bray Wanderers 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Apr 06 View Details

Derry City v UCD

OK, so the Students failed to score against the Foylesiders in 4 meetings last term - but let's call a stocking a stocking - they are giving them away at the moment. What a headache Nutsy has....does he place his confidence in PJ or Ola? The suggestion is that there would still be a problem if they were both to play. Anyway, it's Pat Fenlon's job to ponder the problem. UCD do exactly what it says on the tin; just add goals. Derry have cost me enough money so far, no further betting on their games until they sort out their cat-astrophe.

Stan James Prices
4/7 Derry
12/5 Draw
9/2 UCD

Previous meetings:
Derry City 2-0 UCD FAI Cup 2006 1 Oct 06 View Details
Derry City 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Sep 06 View Details
UCD 0-0 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 2 Jun 06 View Details
Derry City 2-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 10 Mar 06 View Details

Longford Town v Waterford United

Every football hacks' nightmare sentence...'your fired!' Nope it's, 'your covering Longford and Waterford on Friday night.' Between them, these two hobbits of the 2007 season have amassed four goals and four points from a combined total of twelve outings. Bizarrely, Longford have taken 'nil points' at home, while Waterford have taken 'nil points' on the road. Doesn't this mean that something's got to give? Rather than recommending a bet I would just say don't back Longford at a short price.

Stan James Prices
5/4 Longford
2/1 Draw
2/1 Waterford

Previous meetings:

Waterford United 1-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 Oct 06 View Details
Longford Town 1-0 Waterford United FAI Cup 2006 28 Aug 06 View Details
Waterford United 1-1 Longford Town FAI Cup 2006 25 Aug 06 View Details
Longford Town 3-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 22 Jul 06 View Details
Waterford United 0-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 21 Apr 06 View Details

Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United

Two sides steeped in the unglamorous art of defending clash in what's likely to be a low scoring game. Unfortunately for the Italians amongst us, some of the league's finest protagonists of the genre will not be on show, with Gavin, Gartland and Price all injured. Paul Doolin's squad is dangerously close to critical mass, and they have the Setanta Cup semi-final just around the bend. Pat Scully will be relishing this challenge on behalf of his impressive young side as they find their level in the Premier League. Too many uncertanties about the Drogs line up to have a bet.

Stan James Prices
2/1 Shamrock Rovers
2/1 Draw
5/4 Drogheda Utd





Previous meetings:

No games between these sides last season.

Sligo Rovers v St. Patrick’s Athletic

The Saints of course provide the opposition in the aforementioned Setanta semi; but they return to league action having dropped their first points of an exhilirating season thus far. Richmond Park wasn't built in a day, and word of Stephen Rice's man-marking job on Joe Ndo will surely have reached Leo Tierney's lobes. Pats have taken maximum points on the road; Rovers must end a run which has seen them lose two on the trot, and fail to score on both occasions. Pats are a top-price 6/5 at Bet Chronicle, it's a bit of value and my only significant bet this weekend.

Stan James Prices
9/4 Sligo
9/4 Draw
EVS St Pats

Previous meetings:

Sligo Rovers 3-2 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Sep 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 3-1 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 30 Jun 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 1-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 1 Apr 06 View Details