Eircom League Betting Preview: Derry poised to take advantage of Bohemians selection nightmare

European Leagues / Editor / 18 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Johnny Ward brings you the all best bets for the weekend of Eircom League action ahead.

Bray Wanderers' meeting with Galway United is broadcast live on TG4 and is another big chance for the visitors to earn some crucial points as they bid to avoid the drop.

There is talk of Jeff Kenna lacing his boots, with Alan Keane - who had a poor game - sent off last Friday against Sligo Rovers. It will be intriguing to see how the 38-year-old - who certainly has not begun management in the easiest of spheres - gets on if he starts. Bray's form has tailed off badly after a very impressive opening series and they can be taken on at [2.1]. Lay around that price. They should probably be about [2.3] on recent form, and to be fair to Galway they trounced the Seagulls in the League Cup recently and in Derek Glynn they have a very pacey striker who can expose the hosts' defence.

Friday's other game is of relevance to the top of the table and Bohemians can be taken on at [3.0] in Derry. They are badly handicapped at the minute by injuries, and it was regrettable that club legend Kevin Hunt retired on Thursday due to family matters that made football a far less important issue for him. The Gypsies are entering a crucial period, given a backlog of games and their problems with available players, offering Derry a real incentive here to close the gap. Under 2.5 Goals at The Brandywell at [1.65] looks the bet of the week. Bohs' prowess has been based on their defence this season (which has survived the injuries of late that has otherwise been a problem for the team) and Derry do not give much away at the back.

UCD look a little long at [2.2] at home to Cobh Ramblers, who have offered a spirited fight in the bottom half but probably lack the quality to stay up. College's problem has been in attack, but they all in all are a better side than the Corkmen and ought to be perhaps [2.1] or thereabouts to beat them at home. It is worth a small investment.

Sligo Rovers' financial woes when revealed during the week were something of a surprise, and it is improbable that they would otherwise be [2.0] at home against a very moderate Finn Harps side. Take them and double your money, despite Paul Cook's problems. Rovers are very difficult to beat at The Showgrounds and are odds-on chances at home here in my view.

The two last games of the week are worth waiting for, with Drogheda United hosting in-form Cork City on Sunday. The odds look about right here, with the Drogs [2.45] after coming from behind and winning during the week in the Uefa Cup. George O'Callaghan has left the Rebels, and John O'Flynn misses out through yet another injury.

Finally, Saint Patrick's Athletic's clash with Shamrock Rovers on Monday night should entice a good crowd to Richmond Park. The Saints are [1.67] to win, certainly not a price that would have made any appeal if the two teams met last season, but it reflects the Hoops' malaise since.

Again, it is probably best left alone at such a short quote.