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