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