Series 30 Preview

Bray Wanderers v Galway United

Bray celebrate the return of Colm Tresson from his protracted absence through injury for the visit of fellow strugglers Galway United. Eddie Gormley's side have collected points in each of their last four outings as they strive to pull away from the relegation quicksands, but will be keenly aware of Galway's victory at the Carlisle Grounds earlier in the campaign. The Tribesmens' decision to turn professional has not brought the kind of season that their fans had hoped for although they have surprised some of the top sides on occasion. With just one win from their last 6 attempts, and both Shaun Fagan and Daryl Robson ruled out through injury that victory last April seems a long way away.
Bray:LWDDD
Galway:DLLWL

Previous meetings:
Galway Utd 0-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Jul 07 ->>
Bray Wanderers 0-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>

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

Derry City v Bohemians

There's little more than pride at stake for a depleted Derry City squad. John Robertson is already building towards the 2008 campaign, and has been introducing some fringe players to the rarefied atmosphere of first team football. Both Pat McCourt and Ken Oman picked up knocks against Bray last Monday and and miss out along with Mark Farren and Sean Hargan; although the Candystripes are unaffected by suspensions. Bohs are handily placed to steal a march on their closest competitors with the fixtures favouring them this weekend; but will have to do so without the suspended Jason McGuinness and Dessie Byrne. John Paul Kelly is a doubt, although the overdue return of Harpal Singh compensates. The last three meetings between this duo have ended scoreless after 90 minutes.
Derry: LLLDD
Bohs:DLWWW

Previous meetings:
Derry City 0-0 Bohemians Eircom League Cup 2007 9 Oct 07 ->>
Bohemians 0-0 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 21 Jul 07 ->>
Derry City 0-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>
Derry City 1-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Oct 06 ->>
Bohemians 1-2 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 7 Jul 06 ->>

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

St. Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers

Despite the potential absence of Joe Ndo, Keith Barker, Colm Foley, Barry Ryan and Anto Murphy's suspension, the Saints will still field a formidable eleven against a nosediving Rovers side. Pats were impressive when they hit Sligo Rovers for three in 45 minutes last weekend, less so in the second period. But with the Hoops struggling at both ends of the pitch. It is difficult to see pat Scully lifting them for the run-in. They field without Barry Ferguson, Ger O'Brien and Dave Cassidy through suspension, with John Martin, Padraig Amond and Aidan Price carrying injuries. Since defeating Bohs at Dalymount a month ago, Rovers have conceded six goals without reply in three outings- their worst run of the season.
Pats:LWWLW
Rovers:WWLLL

Previous meetings:
Shamrock Rovers 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 23 Jul 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 2-1 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->> Shamrock Rovers 0-2 St Patricks Athletic Ford FAI Cup 2006 27 Oct 06 ->> St Patricks Athletic
0-2 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Cup 2006 2 May 06 ->>

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

UCD v Longford Town

The biggest factor in Longford's favour here will be UCD's preoccupation with next weekend's Ford FAI Cup semi-final. Kevin Doherty and Damien Brennan return to bolster the Town backline as they continue their pursuit of Waterford United. Monday night's draw stopped a run of three defeats on the bounce for the threadbare squad at Flancare; Dave Freeman is out as is Jamie Duffy for the trip to Belfield. For the Students, Shane McFaul returns from suspension and Paul Byrne continues his progression to full fitness. Shane Fitzgerald has been troubled by that bane of speed merchants - a hangstring - for a month or so and may not be risked. Derek Doyle and Paul Crowley are still out. Alan Matthews side have lost just one of their last five meetings with UCD and must fancy their chances at Belfield.
UCD:LWDLD
Longford:DLLLD

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 1-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 21 Jul 07 ->>
UCD 2-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>
UCD 3-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 10 Nov 06 ->>
Longford Town 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 12 Aug 06 ->>
UCD 2-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Jul 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
UCD Evs
Draw 2/1
Longford 5/2

Drogheda United v Cork City

There's rarely much to choose between this pair and with home advantage and just a single point required, it seems likely that Drogheda will capture their first ever Premier Division title before their own at United Park. Richie Baker is their only injury doubt, and there are no suspensions looming for the home side who impressed hugely in last week's dismissal of Shamrock Rovers challenge. Cork City have shown fine form of late, with Denis Behan scoring for fun; Joe Gamble returns to the fray at midfield and John O'Flynn is available again; skipper Dan Murray is back from suspension. Brian O'Callaghan and Cillian Lordan are fitness doubts, while Daragh Ryan's absence continues. Unlikely to be a classic for the TV audience with the Drogs past masters in the art of taking a draw.
Drogs:DWWWW
Cork:WWWWD

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

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

Sligo Rovers v Waterford United

Neither side is weakened by suspension for this game, although the Bit O'Red welcome Seamus Coleman back from his sojourn with Don Givens'(no he's not Sicilian) U21 squad. While still mathematically possible, it is highly unlikely that Sligo are going to reach the heights of European qualification and one hopes that Paul Cook's recent claims regarding his squad's limitations have not afforded the playing staff an opportunity to switch off. In fairness, they did recover from an abysmal first half effort last time out to plunder two excellent goals and Faz and Judge provide a potent threat to any defence. The Blues continue to splash about in the relegation placings, but with Galway United within range now they still have a lot to play for; however they have been dogged by their abject achievements away from home - a meagre return of six points from 14 games is the division's worst record.
Sligo:DWLLL
Waterford: DDLWD

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 2-2 Waterford United Ford FAI Cup 2007 21 Aug 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-1 Sligo Rovers Ford FAI Cup 2007 17 Aug 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Jul 07 ->>
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 28 Apr 07 ->>
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Oct 06 ->>

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

Limerick 37 v Kilkenny City

To manage just one win in seven attempts and hold your position in the table reflects poorly on the efforts of the clubs beneath Limerick 37; they don't come much more beneath than the Cats.
Off the back of victory over Monaghan United and keeping Shelbourne scoreless they were pulverised by Cobh Ramblers last time out. Consolidation at the back will probably be uppermost in Noel Byrne's mind for this game - City can still overhaul newcomers Wexford Youths in the basement battle. Speaking of Defence Forces, Michael Comerford and Thomas Hughes are on World Cup duty. Limerick are reputed to have parted company with striker Robbie Kelliher during the week; Pat Purcell and Kevin Waters return from suspensions.
Lims:DDLWL
Kilkenny:LLWDL

Previous meetings:
Kilkenny City 2-0 Limerick 37 Eircom League First Division 2007 11 Aug 07 ->>
Limerick 37 2-2 Kilkenny City Eircom League First Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
Kilkenny City 0-1 Limerick 37 Eircom League First Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Lims 1/2
Draw 12/5
Kilkenny 11/2

Monaghan United v Shelbourne

Last week v Dundalk Mons showed signs of the form they displayed in mid-season when walloping Shels 4-0; Dermot Keely's side have not managed to better this weekend's opponents during their three meetings this season. Mick Cooke's task is not helped by a heavily populated list of absentees - Alvin Rouse, Willie Tyrell, Jason McCartney and Peter Darcy are all carrying what are euphemistically referred to as knocks. Barry Burke continues his suspension; Stephen Finnegan returns from a ban but he too is carrying a knock and will play no part in proceedings.
in fairness to Shels they have attempted to accommodate their hosts with a similar list of non-combatants. Jim Crawford, Jamie Chambers and Stuart Malcolm serve bans, while Anto Flood and Glen Lacey face fitness tests. No doubt they are studying as I write. James Hussey remains sidelined following his domestic accident.
Mons:WDDDD
Shels:LWLDW

Previous meetings:
Shelbourne 1-1 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2007 10 Aug 07 ->>
Monaghan Utd 4-0 Shelbourne Eircom League First Division 2007 22 Jun 07 ->>
Shelbourne 1-1 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Mons 2/1
Draw 9/4
Shels 11/10

Wexford Youths v Finn Harps

On paper this appears to be the weekend's banker, on grass anything can happen. The Youths secured their first ever away success in top-flight football against Harps; a repeat seems unlikely. With their fate very much at their own feet Higgsy's side have shown impressive degrees of focus and resolve to power their way to the summit. Even in the absence of Harps' captain Tony Shields and the possible loss of defenders Declan Boyle and Johnathan Minnock, the leaders should still have too much for the inconsistent home side. A warning for the league leaders though, Cobh Ramblers could manage only a scoreless draw on their last visit to Wexford.
Wexford:DDDLL
Harps:WWWWW

Previous meetings:
Finn Harps 1-0 Wexford Youths Eircom League First Division 2007 10 Aug 07 ->>
Wexford Youths 0-1 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2007 23 Jun 07 ->>
Finn Harps 1-2 Wexford Youths Eircom League First Division 2007 13 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Youths 11/2
Draw 12/5
Harps 1/2

Kildare County v Athlone Town

If nothing else, we can expect this tie to produce goals, although the suspended Darren Stapleton won't be contributing for the home side, who are also without striker Philly Gorman who is also at the Defence Forces World Cup thingy. There's little but local pride at stake here with both sides in relative limbo until next season's edition.

Kildare: WLWLW
Athlone:LWDLL

Previous meetings:
Athlone Town 4-2 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2007 11 Aug 07 ->>
Kildare County 2-1 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2007 23 Jun 07 ->>
Athlone Town 0-2 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2007 14 Apr 07 ->>
Kildare County 2-2 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2006 21 Oct 06 ->>
Athlone Town 1-2 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2006 18 Aug 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Kildare Evs
Draw 9/4
Athlone 9/4

Cobh Ramblers v Dundalk

This pairing represents the other end of the scale, with everything to play for between two committed sides hurtling hopefully towards the Premier Division. Things are beautifully poised at the top of the table and both sides have returned to winning ways following some indifferent outings in recent games. The crucial difference between the sides this year has been the Lilywhites' failure to score against the Rams in three previous meetings. Cobh's goalfest last weekend has extended their advantage and a win for Dundalk will draw them level, though they will still trail the Rams on goal difference. Stephen Henderson's side have no suspension worries, while Thomas McGauley serves a one game ban for the visitors. Definitely the crunch game of the weekend, with Cobh's nigh impenetrable defence likely to steer them safely harbour.
Dundalk:LWWWW

Previous meetings:
Dundalk 0-0 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2007 12 Aug 07 ->>
Cobh Ramblers 1-0 Dundalk Eircom League First Division 2007 23 Jun 07 ->>
Dundalk 0-0 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2007 15 Apr 07 ->>
Cobh Ramblers 2-3 Dundalk Eircom League First Division 2006 30 Sep 06 ->>
Dundalk 1-1 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2006 29 Jul 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Cobh 11/10
Draw 2/1
Dundalk 9/4