Irish Soccer Betting: Eircom League preview

European Leagues / Editor / 29 August 2008 / Leave a Comment

Irish Independent Soccer correspondent Daniel McDonnell takes a look at the weekend action...

It's been a strange old week in the Eircom League. On one hand, the good news of St Patrick Athletic's famous UEFA Cup win over Elfsborg. On the other, the horrible plight of Cork City.

Their players were told to accept a 70 percent wage deferral this week due to persistent financial difficulties, while ten members of staff were laid off and others told to revert to part time roles amid a financial crisis that culminated with the FAI deducting them ten points for a breach of licensing.

It means that they drop from third place to tied fourth, now 23 points off leaders Bohemians who aren't in action this weekend. Given the context, it's hard to predict what frame of mind Cork's squad will be in for their clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park.

Perhaps it's slightly surprising that Cork are favourites at [2.48], but then they won at this venue in the FAI Cup a fortnight ago when their problems were starting to emerge. Nevertheless, it is hard to be as confident this time, as Rovers played well on that occasion and followed that up with a reasonable draw in Drogheda last Friday. Cork are possibly a lay at that price, but the real saver is Under 1.5 goals at [1.56].

There should be goals at the Brandywell, however, where Derry host Finn Harps in one of Irish soccer's most keenly anticipated local derbies. The visitors are in relegation difficulties but often raise their game against their neighbours. However, Derry should be a back at [1.47], buoyed by Cork's points deduction as it leaves them in a UEFA Cup spot. Over 2.5 goals at [2.02] is a safe shout.

It does not promise to be a thriller at the Carlisle Grounds where Bray welcome shot shy UCD who simply cannot find a striker despite repeated efforts to buy a new man from the UK this week.

Bray's form has trailed off at late, and they've forgotten how to put the ball between the sticks themselves. Their form is worrying and there have been signs that UCD are getting things together - they were a tad unfortunate to come away with nothing when they hosted Derry last week. A similar performance here, and Bray would be a lay at [2.1].

On Saturday, it's a relegation dogfight when Cobh and Galway do battle at St Colman's Park. Jeff Kenna's Galway side have shown more signs of dragging themselves out of trouble in recent weeks although Cobh came from two goals down to get a morale boosting draw in Donegal against Finn Harps.

Nevertheless, Galway are a value shout at [2.84] to get all three points and edge towards safety.
Saturday's other game sees Sligo and Drogheda meet for the third time this year - their previous two meetings have finished in draws and [3.15] about the same here is not to be sniffed at.

It's been a troubled week for Drogheda who were terrible against Bohemians on Tuesday, and the dressing room is coping with rumours about their club's financial well being. Without the suspended Paul Keegan and Stuart Byrne they will find it difficult in what should be a tight game, although [1.5] about Under 1.5 goals is not value. If it drifts to [1.75] or so then it would be.

As is often the case, the bet of the week comes in Division One where [1.93] is available on Over 2.5 goals in the clash of Waterford and Kildare at the RSC. Waterford are well capable of scoring goals; Kildare are adept at conceding them but they are up against a defence that is disposed to awarding frequent presents. You'd be brave to lay Overs at any price in this encounter.