Eircom Premier League / Daniel McDonnell / 03 October 2008 / Leave a comment

The Irish Independent's Daniel McDonnell looks forward to what could be a decisive weekend of Irish football...

If St Patrick's Athletic lose away to Finn Harps, and Bohemians are successful at home to Bray Wanderers then Bohs will be title winners. And while the odds of [1.29] about them securing the three points are a fair reflection of the situation surrounding that game, St Pat's should avoid defeat in Donegal.

Yes, they have been through a hectic period of late, most recently in the UEFA Cup against Hertha Berlin on Tuesday night where they drew nil all and probably should have won.

But they should still be smart enough to take something from their trip to Donegal, where Harps players are going through a turbulent week after accepting a 50 percent wage cut due to financial difficulties.

A draw would not be shocking, but St Pat's are value at [1.8]. It's true that they may be tired after their European exertions but then most of their games in recent weeks have taken second billing behind the UEFA Cup. In some respects, a degree of pressure is off John McDonnell's side, and frustrated by their wastefulness at the RDS, Harps could bear the brunt of it here - they were thrashed by the Dubliners at this venue earlier in the campaign.

If the Donegal men were to lose, it would be good news for their own chasing pack. Three teams are relegated this year, and Harps are currently fourth from last - seven points ahead of UCD and Cobh with Galway a point further back.

UCD host Drogheda United tomorrow, desperately in need of a win. Yet it is hard to be confident about Pete Mahon's side taking anything from the game. They have failed to make home advantage pay this year but, more to the point, just cannot score goals. Drogheda fired blanks against Cobh on Tuesday but won't do the same here. At [1.83], they cannot be ignored.

Galway host Cork at Terryland Park and, for the second week in succession, we expect they might surprise somewhat. Last Friday, they earned a creditable draw in Drogheda and while they come into this game reasonably fresh, Cork have had an arduous week after exiting the FAI Cup to Derry on penalties after a long trip and 120 minutes of action in the Brandywell. Laying them at [2.04] is the selection here.

Derry should be capable of taking full points from the visit of Sligo Rovers to the Brandywell as they chase second spot. The Candystripes scored six to win the League Cup last Saturday and while they went the distance with Cork on Tuesday, they have much greater strength in depth.

They are backable at anything around [1.7], while [2.28] about Over 2.5 goals is a value pick.
On Saturday night, Cobh Ramblers welcome Shamrock Rovers to St Colman's Park - after beating them at the same venue earlier this season.

But Rovers are the pick to get their revenge this time around. While Cobh did well to draw with Drogheda on Tuesday, the extra game will take its toll on them. Rovers were unlucky against Bohemians last week as they played most of the game with ten men and still ran the league leaders close.

They look a much improved side with Joseph Ndo (pictured) adding variety, compared to their relatively formulaic style of play earlier in the season. At [2.26] or thereabouts, Rovers are a strong fancy.