Eircom Premier League / Daniel McDonnell / 26 September 2008 / Leave a comment

The Irish Independent's Daniel McDonnell previews this weekend's Eircom League action...

Given the way they have pulverised the opposition this season, it's surprising to see a price of [2.0] being offered about Bohemians in any game. But this week's challenge is no ordinary one for Pat Fenlon's side.

They take their 24 game unbeaten run into the big Dublin derby with arch rivals Shamrock Rovers who would love nothing more than to knock the wind out of the Bohemians sail; even if they are aware that the Gypsies are unlikely to relinquish their 16 point advantage at the top of the table.

Certainly, the Hoops are formidable opposition and manager Pat Scully has spoken confidently about their prospects for this game. Nevertheless, there is such depth in the Bohs squad now that they look to be worth a punt at the prices available.

Fenlon has a depth of options at his disposal, and has fresh players ready to come in should he look to shake things up after a relatively disappointing display in victory against Finn Harps last week. Tolka Park has been a happy hunting ground for many of the players involved; Fenlon led Shels from there to three title successes between 2002 and 2006. The big game atmosphere should hold no fear for his side, and they are streetwise enough to triumph in what is traditionally a tight, low scoring encounter.

The other three Premier Division games on Friday night have a strong relegation theme to them, with Finn Harps, UCD and Galway all facing away matches as they battle against the drop. Harps are in the strongest position in the table, and have the most winnable match as they take on a Bray Wanderers side that has stuttered in recent weeks and would be in the relegation shakeup themselves only for their fine start to the campaign.

They have little to play for here, and captain Alan Cawley has been out of favour with boss Eddie Gormley, something which illustrates a lack of harmony. Harps, on the other hand, played well for an hour against Bohs last week before conceding silly goals.

Paul Hegarty's side look a far better proposition with Gary Beckett available again with his experience up front providing an important focal point to the attack. They are [3.9] to win which are attractive odds. Laying Bray at [2.24] is probably the call.

UCD face an onerous task in travelling to Cork, with the students looking to be in dire straits following a sloppy defeat at home to Sligo last Friday.

It is hard to be optimistic about their chances here unless they try and shut up shop. Nevertheless, Cork are weakened without the suspended Joe Gamble and Pat Sullivan while Colin Healy is struggling with injury and main striker Denis Behan is not in full health either. In that respect, lumping onto them at [1.43] could be ill advised if they drift any further then that's the way to go there. Under 2.5 goals at [1.78] is not an unlikely scenario.

Galway are a huge price at [9.8] to cause a shock in Drogheda and while that is a big ask, the odds of [4.5] about a draw is tempting enough to risk a few quid.

Meanwhile, St Patrick's Athletic are in Ford FAI Cup action against Sporting Fingal. They replay their quarter-final clash, with the first game finishing in a 3-3 draw. St Pat's are [1.4] to progress in 90 minutes which is no surprise, but [2.1] about Over 2.5 goals offers value.

On Saturday, Sligo should be capable of dismissing Cobh Ramblers at a price of [1.65]. While in Division One, Dundalk have traditionally struggled away to Monaghan, but may have the momentum to overcome that hoodoo - they currently trade at [1.8].