Cork and Pats to take advantage of injury problems

Bohemians v Sligo Rovers

There's a tangible air of menace when this pair have met lately. To add a jalapeno to the spice, both are vein to vein in the pursuit of a top four finish. Bohs are in better shape, with Thomas Heary out for the season and Neale Fenn doubtful. Brian Murphy, in my opinion the best keeper in the league this season, is fit again - but whether or no he ousts Alan Blayney is SC's call. The absence of Adam Hughes and Conor O'Grady through suspension is a huge blow for the Bit O'Red given that there has been nothing between the duo in recent clashes. Paul Cook is expected to leave it late to decide on his starting eleven as he checks up on the walking wounded at Sligo. Even Money Bohs is a decent bet if they reproduce their Inchcore form.

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

Stan James Prices
Bohs 8/11
Draw 9/4
Sligo 100/30

Derry City v Cork City

John Robertson is already talking about next season's squad - small wonder now that his charges are but bit players in the closing stages of the league season. The home side wait upon the fitness of influential midfield pairing Barry Molloy and Ciaran Martyn, while Peter Hutton is suspended. Pat McCourt and PJ are definite non-starters so Dave McEwan will make his debut between the posts. Killian Brennan is another doubt for the Candystripes. Freescoring Cork have Johno available but will Rico drop the in-form Denis Behan to make way for the striker? Colin Healy serves a suspension, as does Daragh Ryan - so he won't feel too badly about missing out through injury this week. If Molloy, Martyn and Brennan join Hutton on the sideline then Cork are definite betting material.

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

Stan James Prices
Derry 6/4
Draw 2/1
Cork 13/8

Galway United v St. Patrick’s Athletic

Pats may be in line to pick up a precious three points against a Galway outfit stricken by injury and suspension. Their weekend off has led to a double whammy of bans with Stephen O'Flynn, Wes Charles and John Lester out. Derek O'Brien also serves a ban - missing his first game of the season. Daryl Robson is injured and Regi Nooitmeer is 50/50. The call has been sent out to Billy Clery to dust off his boots, along with a couple of U21 players. The visitors have Joe Ndo fit, with Anto Murphy returning from suspension and the cup-tied Glen Fitzpatrick available. Darragh Maguire and Colm Foley continue their recuperations. With the Hoops game off this offers Johnny Mc's side the chance to put some serious pressure on their rivals - although they'll need to win by six to take second spot. A better chance to pick up 3 points the Saints will seldom get in Galway.

Previous meetings:

St Patricks Athletic 1-2 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 1 Jun 07 ->>
Galway Utd 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Galway 3/1
Draw 9/4
Pats 4/5

U.C.D. v Waterford United

This pair of relegation flirts pair up at Belfield following varying fortunes in their recent FAI Cup adventures. Waterford's dismissal allows them to focus on the more serious business of Premier Division survival against the conquerors of Derry City. The Blues are bolstered by the return of Cathal Lordan and Dave Mulcahy, but Pat Flynn must sit this one out. With Bray not in action this weekend it offers Gareth Cronin's side to draw level on points with the Seagulls should they defeat the Students. For a team who have collected maximum points just once on their travels this term, it's seems an unlikely scenario. Pete Mahon hopes to have Ian Bermingham and Paul Byrne available; the on loan Peter Hynes is also back in contention. Both of these sides have won just one of their last six outings; no surprise then that they are at the wrong end of the table.

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

Stan James Prices
UCD 8/11
Draw 9/4
Waterford 100/30

Longford Town v Drogheda United

Belying their humble league position, Longford Town have been racking up points like a sober Alex Higgins over the last eight games and champions in waiting Drogheda United will not wish to become their latest victims. One win in five games is hardly the stuff of league titles, but the Drogs continue to set the pace at the business end of the table. Stuart Byrne is suspended, while both Richie Baker and Aidan O'Keeffe contend with calf injuries and may miss out. Alan Matthews' side are without the banned Pat Sullivan, but the cup-tied trio of Colm James, Ian Ryan and Sean Kelly are back in contention for the Ford FAI Cup semi-finalists.

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

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

Coral generosity on the double

Derry City v UCD

The Students pack their bags yet again for their fifth away tie in cup competition this season; and their second quarter-final at the Randywell. Their journey may not be a wasted one however, given the striking problems facing the home squad. Sammy Morrow is out, with both Mark Farren and Kevin McHugh doubtful; 'though one must assume that Robbo will press at least one of them into service. Pat McCourt and Neil McCafferty are also keeping the Scot guessing - Kevin Deery returns from suspension. Derek Doyle is definitely out for the visitors following his unpleasant legbreak last weekend. They've endured injury issues themselves and will need as many of their walking wounded available as possible for this last shot at salvaging something from their rather erratic campaign. Looks a Derry win, not a betting price though.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 3-0 UCD Eircom League Cup 2007 28 Aug 07 ->>
UCD 1-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 25 May 07 ->>
Derry City 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Apr 07 ->>
Derry City 2-0 UCD Ford FAI Cup 2006 1 Oct 06 ->>
Derry City 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Sep 06 ->>

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


Longford Town v Limerick 37

Lucky Longford draw ailing Lims! They were the side that all seven potential opponents wanted at home. Alan Matthews would certainly swap victory here for a place in next season's Premier Division fixture list; but both would do nicely. The Town have been in flying form lately and will be turbo boosted by the return from suspension of the league's joint top scorer and August's Player of the Month, Dave Mooney. Paul McGee's side take to the field without Ross Cosgrave who is suspended. The First Division side have won just one of their last eight league games - but stranger things have happened in the cup. Coral are 4/6 against a Longford win, it's too big.

Previous meetings:
No previous meetings between these sides

Stan James Prices
Longford 4/7
Draw 12/5
Limerick 9/2



Waterford United v Cork City

There will be barely 200 Cork fans amongst the 1250 allowed into the RSC for this one. Gareth Cronins side - well when they are bad, they are poison; when they are good they have the beating of Cork City. Lately it's been poison though. They surprised many by ending Sligo Rovers interest in the competition in the last round. Dean Delaney and Kenny Browne should be back, but Paul McCarthy is suspended and Daryl Kavanagh is out for the remainder of the season. eL Rico's side have struck seven goals in their last two outings; the Blues have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier Division, but have impressed with clean sheets in both of their most recent league assignments. Coral again are feeling generous with 11/10 against Cork. It's a huge price.

Previous meetings:
Waterford United 0-3 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 24 Aug 07 ->>
Cork City 2-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 17 Jul 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07 ->>
Cork City 4-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Nov 06 ->>
Waterford United 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 5 Aug 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Waterford 7/2
Draw 12/5
Cork 4/6


St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians

Cup football at its highest temperature as these two auld Dublin wans vie for some silverware to embellish their respective seasons. Patchy form has followed the pair around recently and home advantage may swing it for the Saints. They found the net four times last weekend; Keith Barker is improving with each outing, and Michael Keane has shown that he possesses as much of a threat from the deadball as Keith Fahey. Bohs will be hurting after conceding their unbeaten home record to the Hoops early in the week - Darren Mansaram, Neale Fenn and Mark Rossiter's availability should help to increase their goal threat somewhat after two consecutive blanks. Anto Murphy is suspended for the Saints. Pats rightly favs, nothing attractive in the prices for me though.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 2-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 28 May 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>
Bohemians 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Oct 06 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Jul 06 ->>
Bohemians 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Apr 06 ->>

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

Bohs to heap the misery on Waterford

Cork City v Longford Town

Cork hinted at a return to form past when they scored four against UCD last Monday; Longford Town can be expected to provide a more stubborn obstacle. Mick Devine returns from suspension to challenge Mark McNulty between the posts for the 4th placed side. Strangely, only the Drogs, Shamrock Rovers and Cork themselves have scored more on the road this season than Longford - of course, the absence through suspension of the division's top marksman Dave Mooney will blunt the Town's ambition somewhat.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 1-2 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Cork City 2-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 ->>
Cork City 1-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 ->>
Longford Town 0-2 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Jul 06 ->>
Longford Town 2-1 Cork City Ford FAI Cup 2006 26 May 06 ->>


Stan James Prices
Cork 4/7
Draw 12/5
Longford 9/2


Drogheda United v Derry City

Kevin Deery is a definite absentee for the visitors who continue to impress under the guidance of John Robertson. The Candystripes are unbeaten in their last eight league assignments, conceding just twice in the process. There may have been a whiff of good fortune surrounding their win over Pats last time out, but there was no doubting there defensive qualities. Drogheda on the other hand are showing signs of pulling up lately, and Paul Doolin will be eager to see his side re-assert their perceived superiority with a win here. Guy Bates' first goal for the Drogs will have given his boss some cheer as he watched his team complete a fourth successive league game without collecting maximum points.


Previous meetings:
Derry City 0-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 2-1 Derry City Setanta Sports Cup 2007 17 Apr 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 2-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 ->>
Derry City 0-0 Drogheda Utd Setanta Sports Cup 2007 12 Mar 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 3-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Nov 06 ->>

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

St. Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers

Pats have still managed just a single win from their last seven league matches; the visit of a poor Bray side should allow them to improve upon that dismal statistic. The absence through suspension of the influential Alan Cawley is tempered by the return to action of Chris Deans, Ray Kenny and Mark Duggan. Last week's clean sheet against fellow strugglers Waterford was the Wicklow side's first since they took advantage of Galway's home woes back in July. Keith Fahey returns to an almost full strength squad for the hosts; just Colm Foley and Darragh Maguire remain sidelined.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 1-2 St Patricks Athletic Ford FAI Cup 2007 17 Aug 07 ->>
Bray Wanderers 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 3-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 5-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 Oct 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 1-2 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jul 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Pats 2/5
Draw 11/4
Bray 13/2

Waterford United v Bohemians

Gareth Cronin has been singing the Blues lately as he's watched his side lose all but two of their last nine games. Last week's clean sheet versus Bray was their first in an almighty 18 games for the Blues; and things are not a whole lot better at the other end of the field either. Added to that gloom is the absence of Daryl Kavanagh for the remainder of the campaign. Unsurprisingly, their recent record against Bohs is unimpressive. Speaking of the Gypsys, Owen Heary returns from suspension but both Darren Mansaram and Conor Powell will be watching from the stand at the RSC. Alan Blayney continues to stand in for the injured Brian Murphy, while the mythical Harpal Singh may make an appearance. Sean Connor's side have netted just seven times on the road thus far; they should improve on that here.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 1-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 25 Jun 07->>
Waterford United 0-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 ->>
Bohemians 3-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 22 Sep 06 ->>
Waterford United 1-3 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 30 Jun 06 ->>
Bohemians 4-2 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 31 Mar 06 ->>

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

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United

The central midfield duo of Eric McGill and Alan Reynolds both serve suspensions for this one against an increasingly confident Galway United side, who arrive on the back of five games without defeat. Daryl Robson returns for the visitors. Nothing but a win will do for Pat Scully's side who were uncharacteristically outfought by Longford last time out at Tolka Park. There hasn't been more than a goal between the pair in recent meetings; this game should be no different.

Previous meetings:
Galway Utd 1-1 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 ->>
Galway Utd 1-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League First Division 2006 6 Oct 06 ->>
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Galway Utd Eircom League First Division 2006 4 Aug 06 ->>
Galway Utd 1-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League First Division 2006 2 Jun 06 ->>

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

Sligo Rovers V UCD

The Students have been beaten twice already this season by Rovers. The return of Paul Byrne is imminent; he may play a part here. Pete Mahon's side have been erratic of late, but the concession of four goals against Cork will have wounded the visitor's pride. Sometimes beaten, never trounced can no longer be their motto. Following a run of four wins on the bounce which propelled them into the title race, things have slowed down for Rovers with no wins in any of their last five games. The return of Daniel Ventre will restore the equilibrium of their back four, while Steve Manson also returns from suspension. Last week's goal against Longford Town was their first in three outings and they'll be hoping that Faz Kudozovic and Matt Judge can start to chip in again.

Previous meetings:
UCD 0-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
Sligo Rovers 1-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 1 Apr 07 ->>
UCD 1-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Nov 06 ->>
Sligo Rovers 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Aug 06 ->>
UCD 3-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Sligo EVS
Draw 2/1
UCD 5/2

St Pats the value bet in the Brandywell

Derry City v St. Patrick's Athletic

With Rovers sitting this weekend's action out, the Saints get the chance to steal into second spot at the Brandywell. But they'll have to face the challenge of scoring their first win on the road since April without the gifts of Keith Fahey, who is suspended and Colm Foley who is still out injured. It's a tough task for the Dublin side with the Candystripes strengthening week on week under the guidance of John Robertson. Mark McChrystal's injury is set to keep him out for the remainder of Derry's campaign, while Pat McCourt and Sammy Morrow hope to shake off the knocks they picked up last week. Alan Moore, Gary Beckett and Ola Tidman are also out of Robertson's plans. Looks a draw, but value hounds will certainly be keen on the 12/5 St Pats on offer in places.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 2-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 Jun 07 ->>
Derry City 0-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 23 Mar 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 2-2 Derry City Ford FAI Cup 2006 3 Dec 06 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 10 Nov 06 ->>
Derry City 3-1 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Aug 06 ->>


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



Galway United v Drogheda United

Four weeks on from their dramatic comeback at United Park, Galway again stand in the way of the prospective champions. Since that embarassing home defeat to Waterford, Tony Cousins side have taken points from the Drogs, Cork and Sligo - shaking off that home win issue in the process. So, not an uncomplicated challenge for the visitors who shipped their first league defeat in twelve outings before the cameras last Monday. It's all about the reaction from Paul Doolin's side now, the trip to Terryland will certainly test their mettle; remember they struggled here earlier in the campaign. Team news suggests that the visitors will have Richie Baker available but look set to be without the central midfield duo of Stuart Byrne and Shane Robinson. Daryl Robson is unavailable for Galway, with Regi Noooitmeer stil injured; on the plus side John Russell and David Cooke are back in contention. I'm keeping the faith with Doolo's boys at a general 10/11

.
Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 2-2 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Aug 07 ->>
Galway Utd 2-3 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 23 Mar 07 ->>


Stan James Prices
Galway 100/30
Draw 9/4
Drogheda 8/11



Waterford United v Bray Wanderers

Two sides who wouldn't manage a win on an Xbox right now come head to head in the weekend's most significant clash. The visitors lie four points ahead of their opponents; realistically a draw would do the Seagulls - still a tall order for a side who have amassed a lonely point from the last eighteen on offer. Derek Tyrrell and Paul Dunphy return from inury spells, but without the services of Ray Kenny, Chris Deans and Mark Duggan it gets tougher. this is no ordinary Waterford side though - they too have an abject recent record, just three points from twenty four and nine goals conceded in their last three league games suggests that either side could win here. The Blues welcome the return of Dave Mulcahy from suspension, with Kenny Browne's return a posssibility also. The club were rocked by the news of talented midfielder Daryl Kavanagh's leg break in training midweek; he is out for the remainder of the season. Not one for punting.


Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 2-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 1 Jul 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-2 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 23 Mar 07 ->>
Waterford United 3-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Sep 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 3-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jun 06 ->>
Waterford United 1-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 16 Mar 06 ->>


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



Longford Town v Sligo Rovers

Rovers have had the upper hand in meetings between the pair this season, but things are different now. Alan Matthews' side are the form team in the Premier Division - five wins in six games is title winning form and their momentum may yet lift them to the relative safety of a relegation play-off. Sligo's league form is not far behind the Town's, but a failure to win any of their last four games in all competitions aligned to shooting blanks in their last two, points to a slowdown of sorts for the Bit O'Red. Seamie Coleman returns to right full, both Daniel Ventre and Stephen Manson miss out through suspension, and Brian Cash is injured. The prices look about right.


Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 2-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Jun 07 ->>
Longford Town 0-1 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 23 Mar 07 ->>
Longford Town 0-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Sep 06 ->>
Sligo Rovers 3-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Jun 06 ->>
Longford Town 0-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Mar 06 ->>



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