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