League of Ireland - week 3

Odds for this week

Home Draw Away BPP

• Derry City v St Patrick's 89/100 5/2 4/1 102%
• Galway United v Drogheda 17/5 49/20 51/50 102%
• UCD v Cork City 11/4 11/5 32/25 102%
• Waterford v Bray Wanderers 38/25 9/4 47/20 101%
• Longford Town v Sligo Rovers 43/25 23/10 48/25 102%

========== source: bestbetting.com



Derry v St Pats – Live on TV and in play betting
High flying St Pats face their biggest test of the season as they travel to a Derry side smarting from their first loss of the season at Linfield on Tuesday night. Derry’s midfield was overrun in that game and they face arguably a tougher task tonight with Ndo, Kirby and particularly Fahey in terrific form. The 4.9 available at betfair on Pats tempts but no bet can be made until Gary O’Neill’s fitness is confirmed. If he does it may pay to back St Pats +1 on the handicap market at 10/11 with Paddy Power.

Team news; Derry are missing Dave Rogers who is suspended after a late red card last week. Pat Fenlon spoke of his disappointment of losing “key battles” on Tuesday and may shuffle his midfield. St Pats add Stephen Paisley to the squad but expect to play the same 11 who defeated Waterford 3-0 if O’Neill is fit

Last five games
Derry City
Mar 20, 2007: Linfield 2-1 Derry City
Mar 17, 2007: Sligo Rovers 0-2 Derry City
Mar 12, 2007: Derry City 0-0 Drogheda Utd
Mar 9, 2007: Derry City 1-0 Bray Wanderers
Feb 26, 2007: Glentoran 0-1 Derry City

St Patricks Ath
Mar 19, 2007: Dungannon Swifts 2-2 St Patricks Ath
Mar 16, 2007: St Patricks Ath 3-0 Waterford Utd
Mar 12, 2007: Cork City 1-3 St Patricks Ath
Mar 10, 2007: Longford Town 1-2 St Patricks Ath
Feb 26, 2007: St Patricks Ath 3-0 Portadown

Galway v Drogheda
Galway’s hard fought draw in Cork last week will have gone some way to ease supporters fears after the first game defeat to Sligo. However I’d expect Drogheda to have enough (even without the suspended Paul Keegan) to beat a Galway side now that they’ve found the way to goal and evens can be found at betfair

Longford v Sligo
A tough game to call in what could already be a crucial game in the fight against relegation. Sligo’s woes continue as players criticise the club’s handling of Rob McDonald’s sacking. Longford have lost their 2 openers and looked very poor against a moderate Shamrock Rovers side. Longford will be without key men Damian Brennan and John Martin. Sligo must do without Raf Cretaro. No bet stands out

UCD v Cork
Cork found their shooting boots in emphatic style on Tuesday night but little can be read into it due to the poor standard of opposition in Portadown. UCD showed good battling qualities in Drogheda and almost forced a late draw. As ever in Belfield, they will be tight and work hard. Once again Cork’s lack of creativity may cause them problems and Under 2.5 goals looks a cert, even if the odds of 1/2 do not appeal. I’d chance a point on the draw @ 11/5

Waterford v Bray
Bray were good value for their victory last week at home to Bohs (tipped here) and will feel they have enough to gain something from Waterford. St Pats easily beat the blues last week but Waterford’s home win in week 1 over Cork may prove a better indicator and with Clive Delaney missing for Bray, its best to leave this game alone.


Recommendations

St Pats +1 to win – 1 pt (if trading in play a lay of Derry may be preferable)
Drogheda to win – 2pts
UCD/Cork draw – 1 pt

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The Derry City v St Pats game can be viewed online at http://www.rte.ie/sport