UCD the cream of this week's many punting opportunities

Galway United v Bray Wanderers

Galway United's long suffering fans again unwrap their hopes of that elusive first home win in the
league when Bray Wanderers travel to Terryland. The Seagulls have proven themselves to be nobody's mugs and may well prolong United's record. Tony Cousin's side have lost just one of their last five - you've guessed it - at home to Cork City. With just two points separating the pair at the wrong end of the table, a win for Tony Cousins' side will lift them above their opponents. Ciaran Foley is available after suspension, 'though he hasn't been commanding a regular starting slot lately. Small stakes on Bray at some of the 5/2 available is a reasonable investment. Exchange players are more likely to get a return by laying Galway at evens or thereabouts.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 0-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 View Details

Stan James Prices
Galway 6/5
Draw 11/5
Bray 15/8



Waterford United v Sligo Rovers

Gareth Cronin presided over a miserable midweek effort from his side as they recorded their fifth defeat in six games; relegation form in any man's formbook. Sligo's most recent defeat was their humbling at the altar of resurgent Derry City - no one fancies facing a side with a new boss to impress - Rovers had no luck in that draw. That belch aside, Paul Cook's squad have done well under his stewardship; good football for the most part has been matched with a decent run of results. With wins under their belt at Longford, Galway and UCD they need not fear the Blues. Cathal Lordan is available after missing the Cork game by prior agreement. Several firms make Waterford favourites - it's a view I disagree with and recommend a bet on Sligo at 15/8 or so.

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 28 Apr 07 View Details
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Oct 06 View Details Waterford United 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Jul 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 3-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Waterford 7/4
Draw 9/4
Sligo 5/4

Bohemians v Derry City

A few weeks back this one would have been a home win banker; not so now. Just two points garnered from three top of the table clashes has distanced then from the title race; and City who have shown real signs of rediscovering last season's form could endanger one of the league's last remaining unbeaten home records. Sean Connor will be working hard to lift his side following last week's hurtful defeat at Drogheda - the only way is up for John Robertson and Derry City. An intriguing game, probably best watched.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 0-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 View Details
Derry City 1-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 View Details
Bohemians 1-2 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Jul 06 View Details
Derry City 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Apr 06 View Details

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


Longford Town v UCD

Goalfest fetishists will be circumnavigating Flancare Park this weekend, although this pair shook the football world by sharing 4 goals at Belfield earlier in the campaign. UCD, for whom Paul Crowley returns from suspension, proved their ability before a television audience last Monday. Can they bring the same level of commitment and skill to bear in less salubrious surroundings? Goals were a problem for the Students, but the leaky Longford rearguard - 11 conceded in four consecutive losses - will not provide as tough a challenge as the Rovers edition. Powers and 365 go 7/5 a UCD victory - it's value, and the bet of the week.

Previous meetings:
UCD 2-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 View Details
UCD 3-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 10 Nov 06 View Details
Longford Town 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 12 Aug 06 View Details
UCD 2-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Jul 06 View Details

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


Cork City v Drogheda United

Cork City kick started a serious league challenge with a midweek win over Waterford United; now the potential champions elect are at the Cross. The Drogs have ridden out the worst of their injury crisis and sit deservedly at the top of the pile - no slur intended. City are unbeaten at home, but don't score too many in front of their own fans; United have been beaten just once on their travels, that was at Richmond Park. There should be a real bite about this, but a draw will do Paul Doolin's side, and such a result is well within their capabilities. Both sides come into the game on the back of consecutive victories. Joe Gamble returns from suspension to bolster the City midfield. Take the best price on the draw if you must have a bet.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 2-2 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 View Details
Drogheda Utd 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Sep 06 View Details
Cork City 1-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jun 06 View Details
Drogheda Utd 0-0 Cork City Setanta Sports Cup 2006 22 Apr 06 View Details
Drogheda Utd 0-2 Cork City Setanta Sports Cup 2006 27 Mar 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Cork 11/8
Draw 2/1
Drogheda 7/4


Shamrock Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic

Rovers have won six and drawn two of their last eight; and this while experiencing their worst injury list of the season. A recently bolstered Saints squad provide yet another litmus test of Pat Scully's belief in his charges. Pats unburdened themselves with a league win last week following some sloppy point- dropping experiences. Mean as the Rovers defence is, the 2/1 on offer against a Saints win in places is too big and should be taken.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 2-1 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 View Details Shamrock Rovers 0-2 St Patricks Athletic FAI Cup 2006 27 Oct 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 0-2 Shamrock Rovers League Cup 2006 2 May 06 View Details

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