Lump on Bohs at 11/8

Cork City v Derry City

Peter Hutton takes the wheel for the third time this season with the Candystripes in this midtable 'clash'. Expect the Shed to be on its best behaviour, with lots of sporting applause and gentle encouragement for the protagonists. This would have been seen as a top of the table clash, preseason, but in reality these sides have shown hitherto hidden frailties. The Rebels have conceded just once at the Cross this season and are unbeaten before their adoring, if a little insensitive, fans. There's nothing of interest among the prices here.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 1-4 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Apr 07 View Details
Derry City 1-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Nov 06 View Details
Cork City 1-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Aug 06 View Details
Derry City 2-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 May 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Cork 11/10
Draw 9/4
Derry 2/1

Drogheda United v Longford Town

Following four games without a win the Drogs rediscovered their touch somewhat against Sligo Rovers in midweek. The talents of Tony Grant, Glen Fitzpatrick and Eamon Zayed do not compensate for the absence of Declan O'Brien; his goal threat is sorely missed by Paul Doolin , who is said to be lining up a move for a new striker. Defensively, the Setanta Cup holders should have enough about them to contain a Longford side which has failed to win on its last six outings; and haven't managed a goal against Drogheda in any of their last four meetings. Alan Matthews' side lost to their nearest rivals for the bottom spot twice in the last week and will not relish this trip. Include the Drogs in fun multiples but not really a singles proposition.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 0-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 View Details Drogheda Utd 2-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Oct 06 View Details Longford Town 0-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 30 Jul 06 View Details Drogheda Utd 1-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Drogheda 2/7
Draw 7/2
Longford 15/2

St. Patrick's Athletic v Galway United

Pats expect to be without Joe Ndo and Stephen Paisley for the visit of Paul Osam's pet club -'I think they're in a false position, but the league table doesn't lie.' Stephen Brennan is also unlikely to feature following his knees-up with Joxer Kelly last Monday night. The injury free Westerners have collected eight of their eleven points on the road, and will be expected to lose but play well as they slip closer to the First Division. A warning to the Saints though, United have taken a point off both Bohemians and Cork City on their travels. A modest bet on the draw at anything over 3/1 is advised.

Previous meetings:
Galway Utd 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
St Pats 2/5
Draw 11/4
Galway 13/2


Waterford United v UCD

The Blues are enjoying their best form of the season, currently five games unbeaten. UCD suffered their first defeat in nine when they slipped up against Bray Wanderers midweek. If Pete Mahon is serious about that Setanta Cup spot his players will need to refocus if they are to take anything from the RSC. Brian Shorthall is back in harness for the Students, but Ronan Finn and Tony McDonnell remain absent. Vinny Sullivan has hit a hot goalscoring streak for the home side who can draw level with their opponents should they win. Coral are best priced UCD at 17/10, not quite big enough but getting there.

Previous meetings:
UCD 3-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 View Details
Waterford United 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Sep 06 View Details
UCD 2-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 26 Jun 06 View Details
Waterford United 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 24 Mar 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Waterford 13/8
Draw 3/1
UCD 6/4

Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers

Following six without a win, Bray have won two on the bounce and will be a confident outfit when they arrive at the Swaying Pylon. Top scorers Clive Delaney and Andrei Georgescu are among the Seagulls injury concerns; Stephen Fox and Colm Tresson complete that particular list.Rovers continue to be without Paul Shiels and Eric McGill; although this didn't seem to trouble them when seeing off Drogheda and Cork in their last two games. Ger O'Brien is a doubt; but its complacency that will be concerning Pat Scully. If the Hoops boss can eradicate any signs of same the Rovers should prevail. If Bray take to the field without their doubtful quartet then Rovers are a betting price at 4/6.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 0-2 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
Rovers 4/6
Draw 12/5
Bray 7/2


Sligo Rovers v Bohemians

Rovers have had a tough sequence of fixtures recently, and have performed well - the Bray debacle excepted - without picking up points. Of course this game has an added bite given Sean Connor's hasty abdication from the Showgies last season. The facts say that Paul Cook's charges have lost their last three games; SC's squad are surfing high following their assertive victory over the league leaders last time out. No one has lost fewer games than Bohs thus far; their defensive qualities have been well documented. Chris Turner's absence will be keenly felt by the home side, he has been the subject of some serious ogling by the big clubs of late. 11/8 Bohs with Sporting Odds is much too big a price and must be taken.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 1-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 View Details
Sligo Rovers 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 9 Sep 06 View Details
Bohemians 0-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jun 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Mar 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Sligo 9/4
Draw 2/1
Bohs 11/10

Galway to win the 'must-win'

Bray Wanderers v U.C.D

The Seagulls return to action after a week and a half to take on Pete Mahon's confident crew. The Students put a run of ten unbeaten competitive outings on the line at the Carlisle Grounds, and are expected to take the win. Anything over 6/4 is worth taking.

Previous meetings:
UCD 2-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 12 Apr 07 View Details
UCD 4-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 View Details
Bray Wanderers 1-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 9 Jul 06 View Details
UCD 4-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
7/4 Bray
2/1 Draw
11/8 UCD

Derry City v Waterford United

The Blues are impressive of late; four games unbeaten is the stuff of fantasy for the non-travelling faithful. Derry City continue to confuse and confound, although they too are on a respectable unbeaten run. The Candystripes impressed nobody when these two met at the RSC earlier in the season, and Gareth Cronin's side will feel they have nothing to fear at the Brandywell; who would have thought that a year ago? I expect Derry to take the win, but they won't be backed by me at a best price 1/2.

Previous meetings:
Waterford United 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 View Details 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 Waterford United 1-2 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
1/2 Derry
12/5 Draw
11/2 Waterford



Longford Town v Galway United

The Town have always been resilient, and they have shown that virtue in no small amounts since their near-fatal points deduction. The failure to reel Waterford United in on Friday night was crucial; this time they have this season's 'Team That's Too Good To Go Down' in their sights. Already this duo are in the high dependency unit of the Premier Division; it's a must win game for both sides. Bet Chronicle's 11/5 against Galway is on the big side and worth an investment.

Previous meetings:
Galway Utd 1-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
11/8 Longford
2/1 Draw
7/4 Galway

Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United

Graham Gartland's dismissal on Friday night means another reshuffle of Paul Doolin's deck. Captain Cook's Sligo are in their infancy and remain something of an unknown quantity; doubtless they will miss the influence of Chris Turner. The Drogs would welcome a repeat of Rovers' defensive performance against Pats, as they continue to miss the input of Fabio. No goals in their last two outings, and they haven't won inside ninety minutes in their last six games; certainly not the form of champions. I'm going to pass on this one.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 3-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 View Details
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
3/1 Sligo
9/4 Draw
4/5 Drogheda

Shamrock Rovers v Cork City

Pat Scully has been waxing lyrical on the rub of the green; his side finally got their handout on Friday night when Garto saw red. Another in a long line of hard-working shifts from the young Hoops was rewarded with a win against one of the heavy-hitters of the Premier Division. And there's another one lumbering into their crosshair, as Cork City come to town. Fifth hosts fourth in a battle of the back fours. Cork's has been unusually porous in recent outings; Rovers haven't conceded since the Saints put a brace past them at Richmond Park a month ago. Shop around and you'll find a little 7/1 against the scoreless draw.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 0-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James prices
6/4 Shamrock Rovers
2/1 Draw
13/8 Cork

Bohs & Drogs to oblige

Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers

Pat Scully felt hard done by when the Drogs took all three points at Tolka Park earlier this season, but his side have shown themselves to fall short against the elite sides in the Premier Division. The continued absence of Aidan Price is a big blow; while Derek Pender misses out also. That said, the Drogs have failed to win any of their last three outings and need to show their bouncebackability following the narrow defeat to league leaders St. Pats last Monday. Last season's deficiencies in front of goal came back to haunt them and Paul Doolin will be looking for Eamon Zayed to up his goal ratio with United defending an unbeaten home record at United Park. There's a little bit of odds against about for Drogheda fanciers, it's worth taking.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 0-3 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Cup 2007 8 May 07 View Details
Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
Drogheda 4/5
Draw 9/4
Rovers 3/1


Galway United v Bohemians

After finally picking up their first win against Bray Wanderers, the Tribesmen have failed to win in any of their subsequent four fixtures. Goals, or lack of same, continue to present a significant barrier to victory for the promoted side, who have still to record a win at Terryland Park this season. Their opponents haven't set the league alight on the road, with just two goals on their travels thus far. The Gypsys will be looking to bounce back after their first defeat in nine outings at the hands of Cork City. The combination of a team struggling to score taking on a team with the best defensive record in the division points to another disappointing evening for the Galway faithful. BetChronicle are 7/5 against a Bohs win, another good bet.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 1-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
Galway 9/4
Draw 2/1
Bohs 11/10


St. Patrick's Athletic v Sligo Rovers

The buoyant Saints need fear no one after their critical victory over Drogheda United last Monday. Johnny Mc will be hoping that his side's 'blip' is behind them as Paul Cook brings his charges to Inchicore. Only Bohs have prevented the Saints from winning on their own turf this season, and Sligo Rovers would need to produce a performance akin to their demolition of Cork City if they are to take anything from this game. Unfortunately, last week's defeat at the hands of Bray Wanderers suggests that an imminent reprise is unlikely. Not one for betting.

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 0-4 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 21 Apr 07 View Details
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

Stan James Prices
Pats 1/2
Draw 12/5
Sligo 11/2

UCD v Derry City

History suggests that whoever scores first will win this game. It's difficult to know what to expect from what will be a wounded Derry side. Can Peter Hutton and Tony Gorman stoke the fires of a squad that may be feeling sorry for itself? Certainly, Pete Mahon would have preferred it if Nutsy had waited until after this fixture to resign. But we know what to expect from the Students who are unbeaten in their last seven league assignments. Derry have left me broke, pure broke. I can't get involved here - doubtless they will win for that very reason.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Apr 07 View Details
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

Stan James Prices
UCD 7/4
Draw 2/1
Derry 11/8


Waterford United v Longford Town

This pairing at the RSC is unlikely to provoke a scramble for tickets, but credit must go to a Blues outfit which has remained unbeaten in their last three league outings. Longford Town also deserve some kudos for the manner in which they responded to their points deduction; holding Derry City scoreless in Pat Fenlon's final game as manager of the Candystripes. Both sides have a chronic need for points; a chronic contest may ensue. There's better places to invest your money this weekend.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 1-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Apr 07 View Details 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 Detail

Stan James Prices
Waterford 11/10
Draw 9/4
Longford 2/1

Dosh risked on Derry one more time

Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers

Up until last weekend's events this game wouldn't have set the pulses racing, but Sligo's unforeseen demolition job on Cork City's title hopes has turned heads. Paul Cook's troops are the side no one wants to meet just now; but Wanderers have drawn the short straw. Without a home victory since their surprise defeat of Bohs on St. Patrick's weekend, they seem unlikely to end that record against the Bit o' Red. Paddy Powers 9/5 against Rovers looks overly generous, I will be partaking in that piece of value.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 1-1 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Nov 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 2-1 Bray Wanderers FAI Cup 2006 26 Aug 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 2-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Aug 06 View Details
Bray Wanderers 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Jul 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Bray 6/4
Draw 2/1
Sligo 13/8


Cork City v Bohemians

The aforementioned Cork City face a stern challenge at the Cross this weekend. Bohemians are coming to town, fresh off the back of their 5-0 dismissal of Longford Town last week. It's 3rd v 4th, with only a point separating the sides, and victory vital to both as they attempt to reel in the top two. Joe Gamble IS available for the home side, who have been held scoreless by both Shamrock Rovers and Galway United in front of their own fans this season. The current BetChronicle price of 1.36/1 is big for Cork and should be taken for small money.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Sep 06 View Details
Bohemians 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Jun 06 View Details
Cork City 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 24 Mar 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Cork EVS
Draw 2/1
Bohs 5/2


Galway United v UCD

UCD travel on the back of a six match unbeaten run in the league, and need have no fear of a United side which still hasn't given their home following a win to cheer this season. Tony Cousins' side were showing signs of putting some points on the board when they put a run of four games without defeat together recently. It all came crashing down at the RSC last weekend, and now the Premier Division newcomers have it all to do again. UCD are the value here, we've given Galway enough chances to win a game - anything around the 15/8 mark is a betting price for the Students.

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these two sides last season.

Stan James Prices
Galway 6/4
Draw 2/1
UCD 13/8


Shamrock Rovers v Waterford United

The expected returns of Danny O'Connor and Ger Rowe will further strengthen Rovers' bid for maximum points at Tolka Park. Only Drogheda United have left the Drumcondra venue with any points this season; being as Gareth Cronin's side have managed just a single goal on their travels the home win is banker stuff for any multiple bets.

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these two sides last season.

Stan James Prices
Rovers 4/7
Draw 12/5
Waterford 9/2


Longford Town v Derry City

Everyone has a bad day once in a while, Longford are having a bad week. They lost five goals in what Stuart Byrne might describe as a 'despicable' display last time out. This was followed up with the loss of six hard earned points. With the future of Alan Matthews also in the balance, it's difficult to see the home side putting up any kind of resistance against the improving Candystripes, for whom Ben Roberts may start. Fenlon's men - particularly the bufoonery of his goalkeepers - have cost old El Punter VERY dearly this season. However, the even money on offer at Blue Square should be taken with gusto.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 0-2 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Oct 06 View Details
Derry City 1-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 16 Jul 06 View Details
Derry City 1-0 Longford Town League Cup 2006 9 May 06 View Details
Longford Town 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Longford 3/1
Draw 9/4
Derry 4/5


St.Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda United

The recent clash of this pair provides a fair indicator of what to expect on Monday night. Alan Kirby's absence has coincided with a run of three games without a win for the league leaders. Drogheda's incredible run of ill fortune with injuries continues; they may need to consider bringing in cover for the physio at this rate. One suspects that the visitors will be happy to take a point; Pats desperately need to assert their perceived authority over tonight's opponents; for both the points and the psychological boost. Blue Square are an incomprehensible 11/5 against a Drogheda win. Place your bets folks, the price won't be there much longer.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 0-0 Drogheda Utd Setanta Sports Cup 2007 23 Apr 07 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 3-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 View Details Drogheda Utd 2-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Jul 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Apr 06 View Details


Stan James Prices
Pats 6/4
Draw 2/1
Drogheda 13/8

Cork to add to Sligo woes

Linfield v Drogheda United

Previous meetings have seen sunlight struggle to part this pair, and we can expect more of the same on Saturday. Ever since Shane Barrett was carried off just seven minutes into Drogheda's opening game of the season against the Blues, their treatment table has been at full occupancy. Injuries still loom large in the holder's preparations, but they should still field a strong eleven. Given the leg weary look of Linfield in their last two outings, United's full time status may give them the slightest of edges at Windsor Park, however it looks to tight to punt on. Might be some value in the cup final specials.

Previous meetings:
Linfield 0-0 Drogheda Utd Setanta Sports Cup 2007 2 Apr 07 View Details
Drogheda Utd 0-1 Linfield Setanta Sports Cup 2007 26 Feb 07 View Details
Linfield 0-1 Drogheda Utd Setanta Sports Cup 2006 11 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James prices
Linfield 11/8
Draw 15/8
Drogheda 15/8


Bohemians v Longford Town

Bohemians continuing reticence in front of goal will be welcomed by a Longford side which is beginning to find some self-belief. The visitors have actually found the back of the net this season more often than their opponents; but have yet to register a win on the road. Sean Connor's side remain unbeaten at Dalymount. After 4 consecutive draws the Bohs faithful will be demanding a win against Alan Matthews men, who are now unbeaten in four games. Bohs are too short to support and I don't really fancy taking them on either - pass.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 3-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Nov 06 View Details
Bohemians 0-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Aug 06 View Details
Longford Town 3-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 May 06 View Details

Stan James prices
Bohs 8/13
Draw 12/5
Longford 4/1


UCD v St. Patricks Athletic

Hot on the heels of their League Cup meeting, this pair meet at Belfield. The Students will have nothing to fear following their midweek success. They continue to plan without the injured Ronan Finn, while Stephen Paisley pays the price for upending Roy O'Donovan last week as he serves a suspension. With Drogheda not in league action this weekend, Pats are presented with a perfect opportunity to open a four-point gap at the top. They'll not have it their own way at the College. It may be the proverbial hard place to win, but Coral are big on Pats at 11/8.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 UCD Eircom League Cup 2007 7 May 07 View Details
UCD 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Sep 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jun 06 View Details
UCD 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Mar 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
UCD 9/4
Draw 2/1
Pats 11/10


Waterford United v Galway United

Gareth Cronin's men halted a run of six successive defeats with draws in their last two outings. Galway United are also exiting their poor start to the season, and have strung a run of four unbeaten games together. The time is nigh for wins rather than draws for the full-timers, but remember Waterford managed to take a point from high-flying Drogheda last weekend. Most bookies make this a 50-50 game or therabouts. I'd want 2/1 either side before having a bet. Bet Chronicle are 1.93/1 against Galway if it gets much bigger it's time to play (the chronicle odds fluctuate a lot).

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these sides last season.

Stan James prices
Waterford 6/4
Draw 2/1
Galway 13/8

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

The injured Piotr Bajdziac serves a suspension for Paul Cook's side against the revitalised City outfit. Sligo remain something of an unknown quantity in the infancy of Cook's tenure. Nonetheless they are now six games without a win in all competitions; shipping 13 goals in the process; and the loss of a 2-goal lead against first division Finn Harps in their League Cup meeting won't help morale much. Cork have reinstated their title challenge following last week's crucial win over leaders St. Pats, and remain unbeaten in the league since their opening day setback at Waterford. They shut Sligo out in all three meetings last season, and look capable of repeating the feat. Both Hills and Paddy Power are 11/10 Cork, I reckon it's a betting price.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 2-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 Oct 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 0-3 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 12 Sep 06 View Details
Cork City 2-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 2 May 06 View Details


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

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers

Nutsy must be wondering when his side are going to get a morale boosting handy fixture - not this week, as Pat Scully's hard working Hoops come to the Brandywell for a televised fixture. The experienced Danny O'Connor is suspended for the visitors, who bounced back from two consecutive defeats with that last gasp win over the Bit O'Red. Derry seem to be very slowly finding their way back towards the surface; but these TV games seem to bring out the entertainer in their 'keepers; a good time to visit the Brandywell so. BetFred are 7/2 against Shamrock Rovers, it's a little big and deserves a small stake.

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these sides last season.

Stan James prices
Derry EVS
Draw 2/1
Rovers 5/2

Take the Odds Against Hoops while you can

Cork City v St. Patricks Athletic
Can the Rebels get over themselves enough to face the stern challenge sure to be offered by the Saints? The midfield Battle of the Joes is crucial here. el Rico's side will present more of a goal threat with the return of the Boy Roy to their ranks. Even this early in the season this is a must win game for Cork who have drawn each of their last three league outings. Pats remain unbeaten, and have already defeated City twice this term in the Setanta Cup. I'm not particularly tempted by the odds on offer.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 1-0 Cork City Setanta Sports Cup 2007 2 Apr 07 View Details
Cork City 1-3 St Patricks Athletic Setanta Sports Cup 2007 12 Mar 07 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Nov 06 View Details
Cork City 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Sep 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 2-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 ViewDetails

Stan James Prices
Cork 5/4
Draw 2/1
Pats 2/1


Bohemians v UCD
4th plays 5th at Dalyer; but where are the goals coming from? Bohs have only netted more than once on a single occasion - in their 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers - although this paucity is balanced by their frugal defence. The Students have been precocious by their own standards with ten goals to their credit after just 8 games. Following UCD's heady moment in Derry a fortnight ago, Longford brought them back to reality last time out. BetChronicle go EVS Bohs - that's a little bit of value. Said firm don't let me on anymore but someone else may enjoy it :(

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Oct 06 View Details
UCD 0-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 29 Jul 06 View Details
Bohemians 2-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Bohs 4/5
Draw 9/4
UCD 3/1

Galway United v Derry City
Will Tony Cousins side finally move on now that they've collected that elusive win? Pat Fenlon was pleased with the efforts of his faltering squad when they were held scorelsss by Bohs last week. He's been tinkering just a bit, and each week must be getting a little closer to finding the mix that suits his managerial style best. The Candystripes have picked up more points on the road thus far; United have yet to treat their home fans to a win. A meeting of two unpredictable sides suggests its best to take our staking elsewhere.

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these two sides last season.

Stan James Prices
Galway 9/4
Draw 9/4
Derry Evens


Waterford United v Drogheda United
The potential champions take on the potential bottom club at the RSC; even Derry City have triumphed there this season. Injury crisis or no, this is one where the Drogs ought to be collecting the points. Ray Scully sits this one out for the home side; standard punishment for his red card last weekend. There were positive signs for Waterford Watchers, with the 10-man Blues battling for a share of the points after 6 successive reversals.
Drogs to win, if I see any 8/11 I'll bet.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 1-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Nov 06 View Details
Waterford United 2-3 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Aug 06 View Details
Drogheda Utd 4-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 19 May 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Waterford 9/2
Draw 12/5
Drogheda 4/7


Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers
This game is fixed for the lush pastures of Tolka Park. Both sides have faced the table's top two in recent weeks with the Hoops clearly losing with greater glory. Aidan Price is nearing full fitness; his improved presence can only enhance the Hoops' chances of keeping a clean sheet. The arrival of a new manager can sometimes have a boosting effect on a side; and Paul Cook has had a week in which to put some of his ideas into being. The ever precise Pat Scully will surely have his young side prepared for such an eventuality. Rovers to win and Rovers to lose! BetChronicle are a shade of odds against Shamrock Rovers, it's a betting price - but again they are from the Boylesports school of stake restrictions so you wont get wealthy on it.

Previous meetings:
No meetings between these two sides last season.

Stan James Prices
Shamrock Rovers 4/6
Draw 12/5
Sligo 7/2


Longford Town v Bray Wanderers
After opening with five consecutive defeats, Alan Matthews miniscule squad have amassed five points from their last three unbeaten engagements; victory over Eddie Gormley's defensive blunders is vital if Longford are to drag themselves from the relegation mire. Home advantage to swing it for the Midlanders in this battle of the bottom feeders but at the prices I'm passing.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 0-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Sep 06 View Details
Longford Town 1-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Jun 06 View Details
Bray Wanderers 1-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 16 May 06 View Details

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


JJB Sports Irish Cup Final
Linfield v Dungannon Swifts
Linfield have just come through possibly their toughest test of the season, but will be well prepared for the showpiece encounter with Harry Fay's side. The Stangmore Blues have been operating on auto-pilot for the last few weeks, and it remains to be seen whether they can lift their game to the required level for this intense examination of their qualities. In Mark McAllister they have a striker of rare quality; feeding him will be all important. It's difficult to envisage Linfield losing the midfield battle such is the talent at the disposal of Daithi Mor (that's 'Big David' in Irish for the non Gaelige speaking community). No new name on the cup this year, and no particular value in the prices either. However as with many cup finals, some bookies may get brave and try a few specials.....I'll be waiting for them to slip up.

Previous meetings:
Dungannon Swifts 1-5 Linfield Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 3 Feb 07 View Details
Linfield 0-0 Dungannon Swifts Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 28 Oct 06 View Details
Linfield 2-0 Dungannon Swifts CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 4 Oct 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Linfield 4/11
Draw 3/1
Dungannon 13/2