Eircom League Betting Preview: Drogheda to take all three points

European Leagues / Editor / 03 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Johnny Ward has cast his net over this weekend's Eircom League games and is confident of pulling in some tasty punting profits, with Drogheda United topping the list.

BOHEMIANS' Intertoto Cup involvement deprives the league programme of one game this weekend, leaving five encounters and the chasing pack clamouring to close the gap on the Gypsies.
Pat Fenlon's record at Shelbourne speaks for itself regarding his ability to nurture title challengers, and he has done a fine job so far with Bohs. Players such as Neal Fenn - maligned somewhat in previous campaigns - have suddenly found themselves playing the best football of their career.

Saint Patrick's Athletic are in danger of replicating their near-capitulation last season. The Saints, whatever about something of a temporary slump, are vastly better than Finn Harps and are an acceptable price at [1.45] to land the points at Inchicore. Harps were predicted to struggle and so it has been: indeed it looks bleak for themselves, UCD, Galway United and Cobh Ramblers, three of whom are almost certain to be victims of the need to cull a couple of teams and bring in next year's ten-team league.

The Saints slipped up last time at home to Bray, but really ought to have won and in any case the surprise-package Seasiders are stronger than Harps, who have lost ten of their 16 games.

Cork City are slightly shorter to dispatch Galway United, who got a nice boost when trouncing Bray in the League Cup during the week. Cork's 3-2 win over Derry - perhaps the season's most extraordinary game to date - may indeed have transformed their season. At [1.41], they look about right against Galway, who are capable enough on their day but will probably worsen their relegation woes at Turner's Cross. Under 2.5goals at [2.0] is worth considering: expect United to keep it tight.

Sligo Rovers and Derry City contest a north-west Derby at The Showgrounds as Paul Cook's men begin life sans Faz Kudozovic. The Bosnian is a high-class player at this level and is a major loss for Rovers, but such is the way it generally has been at the club: the best players aspire to live elsewhere. 'Under 2.5 Goals' looks a fairly safe investment here at [1.63]. Sligo do not concede much at home and, as with any team Stephen Kenny manages, defence is a primary concern for the Candystripes.

Drogheda, meanwhile, can give Faz a win on his debut at home to UCD, and they look the bet of the week at [1.61], a price that surely exaggerates the admitted disappointment that this season has been for the champions. For all that they have under-performed, they beat Galway away last time and UCD are not much better than the Connacht men. Cork disposed of them easily last week, and Drogheda are liable to dominate this game for most of it. I would certainly not be laying them at any bigger than [1.5]. If you prefer better odds, consider them at [2.0] on the -1 Asian handicap line, with your money returned if they only oblige by the minimum.

Shamrock Rovers have had a very moderate campaign, particularly relative to last season, when they over-performed for at least the first half. Despite that, they are worth a small bet at home to Cobh Ramblers at [1.67]. Stephen Henderson's charges will go down, as they did when defending appallingly in a drubbing at Turner's Cross last week. Pat Scully's antagonistic character has had repercussions at the Hoops this term, but they will exploit a team that struggles to defend, as is the case with Ramblers.

Johnny Ward's Recommended Eircom League Bets:

1. St.Patrick's Athletic @ [1.45] vs. Finn Harps
2. Under 2.5 goals Sligo vs. Derry @ [1.63]
3. Drogheda @ [1.61] vs. UCD (NAP)
4. Shamrock Rovers @ [1.67] vs. Cobh Ramblers