Northern Ireland, Paddy's Day Games
From http://elpunter.blogspot.com/
Armagh City v Ballymena United
City's abysmal home record has seen them lose eight of their eleven league encounters at Holm Park. All is not well with the Eagles; just 3 points from the last 24 available underlines that. With their Cup Replay somewhat sorted the Sky Blues can concentrate on picking up points, albeit without the services of the suspended Aidan Watson and Craig McClean. Got to fancy the Sky Blues, 13/8 at Hills and Skybet is a betting price.
Previous meeting:
Ballymena United 2-2 Armagh City Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
2/1 Armagh
2/1 Draw
5/4 Ballymena
Cliftonville v Larne
The Red Machine is gathering momentum as it heads purposefully towards the Gibson Cup. Unbeaten in their last 10 league outings, it's difficult to see how Paul Curran's improving Larne outfit take anything from Solitude in this tie...BUT, they held Linfield scoreless last time out, put three past Glentoran and took a point from Crusaders recently. It would suggest that the visitors have a bit of moxy about them when playing the top sides. Sean Cleary and Barry Johnston are suspended for the home side in a must-win game for both sides. Omit Cliftonville from multiples, a speculative bet on the draw at Skybet's 4/1 is far better value.
Previous meetings:
Larne 2-4 Cliftonville JJB Irish Cup 2007 13 Jan 07
Larne 1-3 Cliftonville Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
1/3 Cliftonville
3/1 Draw
15/2 Larne
Crusaders v Donegal Celtic
Portadown's recent wobble has re-opened the possibility of a 4th place finish for Crues; and what an achievement that would be in their first season back in the top flight. DC have yet to win on the road -if you want to win at Seaview you need to score 3 goals (check the results!) - I can't envisage that occurring as only Loughgall have a worse scoring record than the Suffolk road outfit. The points on offer are priceless to both sides. Barry Spence begins a suspension for the home side; Paddy Kelly will be without Paul McVeigh and Paul Bradley for the same reason. Not betting material really.
Previous meeting:
Donegal Celtic 0-2 Crusaders Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
8/13 Crusaders
12/5 Draw
4/1 Donegal Celtic
Glenavon v Coleraine
Glenavon have been losing andshipping goals of late; their last 6 outings have failed to yield a victory. Scoring goals remains a problem for Colin Malone's men, for whom Adrian Harper is suspended. In spite of recent defeats to Limavady and Glentoran, there is a great belief within the Bannsiders' camp; their ambitions of a top four spot are still credible. John Neill sits this one out for the visitors. Sporting Odds are 7/5 on Coleraine - this price is nothing but wrong, it must be taken (though don't expect to be laid anything lumpy!)
Previous meeting:
Coleraine 1-3 Glenavon Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
9/4 Glenavon
9/4 Draw
EVS Coleraine
Glentoran v Loughgall
The only side in the division who have yet to win a match are the cannon fodder for Gary Hamilton & Co. at the Oval. The Villagers have scored just 5 times on their travels; Glens have bagged 36 goals before their adoring public. Kyle Neill misses out following his excellent save last week. Looks a case of how many.
Previous meetings:
Loughgall 1-3 Glentoran Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Glentoran 4-0 Loughgall CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 9 Sep 06
Loughgall 0-2 Glentoran CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 12 Aug 06
Stan James Prices
1/6 Glentoran
9/2 Draw
12/1 Loughgall
Limavady United v Newry City
Only 2 points separate this pair in the table, and both have been showing signs of improvement lately. There's little to choose between them; the Roesiders are missing Neil Harkin and Sean Friars through suspension. The odds look right, not one for betting really, the Skybet 5/2 on Newry is standout if you must bet.
Previous meeting:
Newry City 3-1 Limavady Utd Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
6/5 Limavady
11/5 Draw
15/8 Newry City
Linfield v Lisburn Distillery
The Whites won this tie last season and come to Windsor on the back of a morale boosting victory over Portadown. The Blues present a formidable hurdle; they still haven't been beaten since the opening day humiliation against Cliftonville. Another fascinating tie where points mean priceless for both sides as the Ballyskeagh men scramble for a top four finish. Some very short prices around on Linfield - the visitors are capable of taking a draw.
Previous meetings:
Lisburn Distillery 0-4 Linfield Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Lisburn Distillery 0-3 Linfield CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 29 Aug 06
Linfield 4-1 Lisburn Distillery CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 19 Aug 06
Stan James Prices
4/9 Linfield
5/2 Draw
13/2 Lisburn Distillery
Portadown v Dungannon Swifts
Ronnie's world is falling down around him. First John Convery is injured; now Mickey Collins sits out a 4 game suspension and Richard Clarke also misses this game. Their defensive infallibility has waned as they've slipped back into the hopefuls for the title race. Yin and Yang; Mark McAllister and David Scullion are flying for the Swifts, who have taken great confidence from their impressive Setanta Cup outings. Ports are weak favourites here and worth laying if you play the exchanges (are these games even on exchanges??), nothing on the fixed odds appeals however.
Previous meetings:
Portadown 2-2 Dungannon Swifts Setanta Sports Cup 2007 5 Mar 07
Dungannon Swifts 0-1 Portadown Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 4 Nov 06
Stan James Prices
4/5 Portadown
9/4 Draw
3/1 Dungannon
