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