Take the Candystripes at RSC

Cork City v Shamrock Rovers

The Leesiders have yet to score against Rovers in 2007, and the return of Dean Lawrence and Danny O'Connor should stiffen up the Hoops' wounded resolve following their midweek debacle in Wicklow. Aidan Price and Padraig Amond are absentees for the visitors, along with suspended 'keeper Barry Murphy and Paul Shiels. Stephen O'Brien comes into the squad as cover. City are the division's form side - 4 wins and 2 draws in their last 6 games - and a win here would draw them level on points with their opponents, adding a veneer of respectability to their disappointing season thus far. Colin Healy and Daragh Ryan return from 1 match bans, although Ryan is still struggling with a pelvic problem. Gareth Farrelly didn't feature in last week's win over Derry City, and Rico will welcome his return to the field of play. With all three of City's strikers in good form, this promises to be an intriguing contest. Two away trips within a three evenings makes this a trickier test than usual for the part time Hoops. I'm going to sit this one out.

Previous meetings:
Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 May 07 ->>
Cork City 0-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Cork 10/11
Draw 11/5
Rovers 13/5


Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers

By all accounts, Rovers were well in the contest last week against Bohs before Seamus Coleman's robust challenge on Joxer. They presented a threat up front against a well organised defence and will be hoping to duplicate that at United Park. Coleman, of course, will not be part of Paul Cook's designs. Keith Foy may well continue at left full, with Daniel Ventre freed from midfield to deputise on the other flank. Brian Cash is a doubt, but should make it, and the return of Adam Hughes and Conor O'Grady to the midfield area will boost Rovers' slim chances of leaving Louth with at least a point - they've already shipped five goals without reply against Paul Doolin's side this term. The Bit O'Red have been less than inspiring on the road - their eight defeats bettered only by Bray and Waterford and matched by Longford. Stuart Byrne is available after a one game ban; it will be tough on last week's goalscorer Paul Keegan should he be obliged to stand down - there's little room for sentiment in winning titles. Can't see Drogs slipping up, can't be bothered at the price.

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 0-2 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 May 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 3-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>
Sligo Rovers 2-3 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 11 Nov 06 ->>
Drogheda Utd 2-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Aug 06 ->>
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Drogs 1/2
Draw 12/5
Sligo 11/2


Galway United v Longford Town

A crucial tie for both sides, how Galway must wish it were an away fixture. Their abysmal tally of eight points at home makes for the division's worst home record by a length. Both sides suffered setbacks last weekend, but the hosts have the luxury of four players returning from suspension. Stephen O'Flynn, John Lester, Wes Charles and Derek O'Brien will more than compensate for the absence of Regi Nooitmeer. Longford's wispy squad fields without suspended centre-half Kevin Doherty and the unfortunate Dave Freeman. Jamie Duffy continues to struggle with injury. Another must-win contest for both sides in the tight confines of the bottom feeders. Some bookies are 10/11 Galway, - they cant be trusted at odds on. Stan James are 5/4 the home side but I think the 13/5 against Longford is better value.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 0-3 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 May 07 ->>
Galway Utd 1-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Galway 5/4
Draw 2/1
Longford 2/1


UCD v Bray Wanderers

With both sides now approaching football's equivalent of middle-age; the much coveted midtable security, this may not be the most engaging of contests. Bray's unexpected midweek victory was their first in nine games; and the first time that they've managed three goals this season - the fact that this occurred against nine players should not go unnoticed. The Students have had a clearout of the physio's room and Alan McNally and Ian Bermingham return following successful U21 appearances in midweek. Colin Tresson remains absent for Wanderers. All but one of Bray's points won on the road have come against inferior opposition; the televised encounter at Turner's Cross the exception. Pete Mahon's men have not lost to lower placed opponents at Belfield this season. There's some Even Money UCD around. Not a bad bet.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 2-1 UCDEircom League Premier Division 2007 29 May 07->>
UCD 2-0 Bray WanderersEircom League Premier Division 2007 12 Apr 07->>
UCD 4-0 Bray WanderersEircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 1-1 UCDEircom League Premier Division 2006 9 Jul 06 ->>
UCD 4-1 Bray WanderersEircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Apr 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
UCD 5/6
Draw 9/4
Bray 11/4


Waterford United v Derry City

Peter Hutton returns from suspension to restore some familiarity to the City backline as they throw one eye towards next Tuesday's League Cup Final - that game holds far greater significance for the Candystripes, it's their last available avenue to Setanta Cup football next term, and may have a bearing on team selection for this game. The Blues are in trouble; with David Breen, Dave Mulcahy, Packie Holden and Karl Bermingham joining Daryl Kavanagh and Kenny Browne on the list of absentees. Added to that is the doubt over Paul McCarthy's fitness. For a side which has collected just five of the last 33 points on offer, it's a big ask even if the Candystripes are at less than full muster. Derry look the bet of the weekend.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 1-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 May 07 ->>
Waterford United 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>
Waterford United 0-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 13 Nov 06 ->>
Derry City 4-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 30 Jul 06 ->>
Waterford United 1-2 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Waterford 5/2
Draw 2/1
Derry Evs


St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians

This weekend's live offering promises to be a tight encounter at Richmond Park. Bohs have netted just seven times away from Phibsboro this year, and three of those came in their recent win at Bray. Nonetheless, with almost a full squad to choose from and Chris Turner bedding in nicely alongside Steve O'Donnell the Gypsys will be confident of extending their good record against the Saints. It must be acknowledged that no side has a better points tally at home than Johnny Mc's side, and with the points of equal importance to both sides it should be very interesting. Looks a draw, low on goals.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 1-2 Bohemians Ford FAI Cup 2007 24 Sep 07 ->>
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 ->>


Stan James Prices
Pats EVS
Draw 2/1
Bohs 5/2