Bigger squads - certainly, Better Squads - the evidence to date says differently
But I agree that Bohs, followed by Rovers are still the top two favourites for the league. With the budgets at both clubs being about twice what each of Pats and Dundalk have, it would be a huge failure by either not to finish in the top two spots
We're about 40% of the way through the competition. Both Pats and Dundalk have had injuries and suspensions. We had Cawley out for a couple of months. Is the pattern of injuries and suspensions going to be different in the remaining 60%?
It is likely that Dundalk and Pats will strenthen in those areas that they consider exposed during the transfer window.
If I was a Bohs or Rovers fan, I wouldn't be banking on either Pats or Dundalk falling away. I'd be more concerned about my own teams performance.
At least Rovers have shown signs of improvment. Bohs have been plodding along alll season. of course they do have the players to do pick up.
Pats squad is quite limited and although we've had injuries and suspension they've been generally in areas were we're OK in terms of cover. We could only field 6 (of 7 alloted) subs against Bohs in the setanta cup last week. If either centre half misses 3/4 games or Stuey byrne is out, we could slide pretty quickly.
Dundalk's squad is a little deeper than ours and they're reasonably well covered in most areas, with player slike Melligana nd Faz able to cover numerous mid/forward positions
Of course Rovers have shown that they really do depend on Twigg. If he's out, they seem to struggle
54,321 sold - wws will never die - ***
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Just watched the MNS highlights there; it's less dramatic than I made out alright, but I've seen those given as free outs far more than as goals.
I thought it was a peno from where I was stood at the time; unfortunate definitely, but definite contact, although whether he gained any advantage is another question.
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