Bohemians vs Limerick
The meeting between two of the three teams in the league that still don't have a victory at home so far. Bohs are better in the table because they have better performance away, but we shouldn't forget Limerick beat them all three times last season (twice 1:0 and 2:1). Behind the ******* are two completely different games: they played 70 minutes with ten players on Friday in a 1:1 draw with Bray, but had one extra player for most of the second half on Monday when defeated the last placed Athlone with 3:1. Regular goalie D. Delany served the suspension in that game, but they had no any difficulty due to bad turn of circumstances for home team. Midfielders A. Murphy, A. Mulligan and captain D. Mulcahy are long term injuries, as well as defender J. Memery. On the other hand, the Superblues have scored just three goals in five games and therefore unexpected break (haven't played a match on Monday due to a damaged pitch of rugby match) was welcomed for them. Also, it's known that there were as many as six regulars injured at the start of the season so these days off were really beneficial for the team. Otherwise, they've earned a deserved draw at UCD Bowl on Friday, without right back S. Kelly and long-term injured duo M. Leahy & D. Galbraith. Now there are several doubtful players including their captain S. Duggan, but only the long-term injured are sure absences.
Follows a series of very difficult games for Bohs and I'm not sure they will be very focused tonight since their manager Owen Heary may give a chance to some players who haven't played much so far. Lims are more rested team here and are becoming stronger over time because many regular players returning from injury (B. Ryan, S. Oji, R. Williams and C. Curran). Their coach Stuart Taylor attended the last game of tonight's opponents and I estimate that he has a well thought-out tactic for a good result.
bet: Limerick double chance
odds: @1.95 (bwin)
stake: 1/5
St Patrick's vs Shamrock Rovers
A great Dublin derby between the two strongest teams in the league (imo) that being from the South side of the Liffey, the battle of master (Pats manager Liam Buckley) and servant (Shams manager Trevor Croly who was assistant at St Patrick's previously). Both of them have suffered a surprisingly heavy defeats on Friday, but both are back on the winning track with a convincing and easy triumphs on Monday. Also, both sides have in mind the Setanta Cup return matches early next week. Pats were without suspended top players K. Brennan and G. Bolger in a win against Bray (3:1) after the debacle versus Dundalk (1:4) at home. Centre back K. Oman was injured and now they've concerns about G. O'Brien and K. Fahey because they had left the last match due to minor injuries. Though, they are available and a midfield duo B & B returns from suspension, only defender K. Oman is in doubt. The Hoops were without a long-term injured centre back D. O'Connor and captain S. Robinson (only in the second match) in loss at Cork (0:3) and in the win against UCD (2:0), the first one is out again, while the latter is doubtful.
It will be the most interesting match of this round without a doubt with both sides are very eager to win that would maintain them close to the top. I really wouldn't have dared to predict the winner at Ricmond Park, but we should see a couple of goals especially if the opening being in the early part of the game. Their this season's stats also supports the goals: the Saints three home games = 12 goals; the Hoops three away games = 12 goals. Also, there were less than two scored goals just once in the last ten mutual matches so this shouldn't be a bad wager.
bet: over 2 goals
odds: @1.85 (bet365)
stake: 2/5
Derry City vs Athlone Town
Interesting stats for the first half of these teams: the only ones in the league that haven't scored in the first half of the six games. However, the difference is that City didn't even conceded, while Town conceded six. Derry City manager Roddy Collins has achieved promotion to the Premier Division with Athlone Town last year. After the first win of the season on Friday (1:0 against Sligo), the Candystripes were very poor in Dundalk (0:3) due to bad decisions of coach Roddy Collins (both McEleney's and R. Patterson were on the bench). Another bad news from that match was a serious injury of their key centre back R. McBride who miss this match. Also, midfielders B. McNamee is a long-term injured and B. Molloy is a slightly doubtful. Athlone is already in a very difficult situation, lost all six matches having three conceded goals in each of their last three games. They were with the strongest line-up and didn't play poorly in the last game, but this time luck wasn't on their side to get to the first point(s). In fact, they have lost two key centre backs (A. Collins was injured and D. Prendergast was sent-off), while J. O'Brien scored a freak own goal in a defeat 1:3 against Bohemians. Their coach may have many missings tonight: both key centre backs A. Collins (captain) and D. Prendergast are definitely out, while N. Harney (another centre back), S. Byrne (left back), A. Byrne (defensive midfielder and a vice-captain) and J. O'Brien (midfielder) all expected to take late fitness tests.
Both sides have something to change in order to improve their positions. I'm quite sure that Derry will finally play more offensive for the first time this season since manager Roddy Collins is very familiar with this opponent and it's time that last year's top scorer of the league R. Patterson back on track, especially as he was rested in the last game. Nevertheless, without R. McBride in the heart of the defense the Town will have a chance for scoring through their experienced offensive players, but if some of doubtful players not being fit, they'll have big problems in defense. It should be an exciting match at Brandywell.
bet: over 2,5 goals
odds: @1.79 (pinnacle)
stake: 2/5
bet: Derry City (-1EH)
odds: @2.16 (unibet)
stake: 2/5
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