Scully's men to win the war of the Rovers

Bray Wanderers v Longford Town

Both of these sides had good wins last time out; Bray have risen to a midtable spot, while Longford will be hoping forlornly that their first win in 12 is a stepping stone to better things. It's two months since the Seagulls lost at home and Alan Matthews' side have yet to collect maximum points on the road. Clive Delaney and Gary McCabe are back from suspension for Wanderers, who will be without John Broderick, Colm Tresson, Mark Duggan, Derek Tyrrell, Paul Caffrey and Paul Dunphy. The manager of the 21's will be receiving a phonecall no doubt. The Town added Mark Rutherford to their wounded last weekend; he joins Ian Ryan and Daire Doyle on the physio's bench while Damien Brennan serves a ban. On the plus side new boys Colm James and Sean Kelly should be available and Kevin Doherty made an appearance against Sheffield United in midweek - Matthews may be able to afford the luxury of a substitution this week. Not really a match for betting in my opinion but Blue Square at 7/2 against Longford would seem not to have picked up on the Bray team news yet.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 1-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 5 May 07 View Details
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
10/11 Bray
9/4 Draw
5/2 Longford



St. Patrick's Athletic v Cork City

Cork take a 5 game unbeaten run to Inchicore, buoyed by the news that Roy O'Donovan will be staying on to bolster their title challenge. John O'Flynn limped off last week and Royboy is carrying a hangstring - City will need both of them at their peak if they are to take three points from Pats. Alan Kirby's return should help to bring some balance to the Saints sometimes complex midfield area. This is yet another 'biggest game of the season' for Damian Richardson, who is hoping to pick the Saints' side, as well as his own, this week. The prices look right to me, very little variance between the bookies.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 1-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 3 May 07 View Details
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

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



Drogheda United v Waterford United

Waterford would not be relishing this fixture at the best of times, but they travel without 5 players who have all picked up suspensions. Kenny Browne, Pat Flynn, Robbie Hedderman, Shane Harte and Alan Mulcahy are the villains; although Harte and Mulcahy have been out with injury anyhow. Paul Doolin laughs in the face of injury and suspension - his club have taken their worst and risen to pole position. It's five wins and two draws from seven versus six defeats and a win from seven. Drogheda look as much a banker as you will find in any sport this weekend, but the bookies know it and at best odds of 1/3 I'll be investing elsewhere.

Previous meetings:
Waterford United 1-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 View Details
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
2/7 Drogheda
7/2 Draw
15/2 Waterford



UCD V Bohemians

UCD soiled their bibs last week with a disinterested performance at Longford. Methinks they'll be paying attention this time around. Both sides have failed to convince in front of goal, and in that respect Paul Byrne's absence is a bodyblow to the Students. Hard to see them piercing the Bohs backline, so it's all about not conceding. Conor Rafferty and Kevin Hunt are out, although Hunt has had something of a cameo role of late. Shane McFaul should be back to win the midfield battle and Pat 'the spectacular goal' McWalter may feature for the home side at some stage. I like Bohs here, and the 11/8 widely available is a betting price.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 View Details
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
9/4 UCD
2/1 Draw
11/10 Bohs



Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

Tonight's live TV viewing picks up where the Rovers left off following the rambunctious FAI Cup tie at Tolka Park; since then both sides have progressed well. The hosts have seen off both Cork and Bohs at the Showgies so they are not to be taken lightly by the title challengers. Privately, it must be a worry for Pat Scully that his side are showing signs of legginess - Tadhg Purcell ran himself into the ground last Monday night along with his teammates, and they're up against full time opposition again. We may see a few changes on the Hoops side -Pat Scully picks from the same squad as last Monday. Sligo are without Rafaele Cretaro but hope to have Brian Cash available as well as returning striker John Bellew. Should be a cracker. I'm surprised by the 6/4 against Shamrock Rovers, I wonder if the bookies will be surprised when my wedge lands in front of them?

Previous meetings:
Shamrock Rovers 2-3 Sligo Rovers Ford FAI Cup 2007 16 Jun 07 View Details
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
2/1 Sligo
2/1 Draw
5/4 Shamrock Rovers



Derry City v Galway United

John Robertson is unlikely to let his players lick their wound following their European exit; it's all systems go now for a charge up the table. City are finding some cohesion again under the new boss and should have enough to see off underachieving Galway; then again it's an away match for Tony Cousins' side. Since beating Pats at Inchicore they have embarked upon a run of 6 without a win in all competitions. The Candystripes rattled Bohs' cage with some style last week -they may be without the departing Darren Kelly, Pizza is an able replacement. Galway are labouring under a heavy injury list, although new signing John Fitzgerald is in contention for a slot at the back. Derry to win, but there's better value elsewhere.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 2-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Cup 2007 8 May 07 View Details
Galway Utd 1-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
8/13 Derry
12/5 Draw
4/1 Galway