Eircom Irish League

[Chief77]

Premier League:

05 Oct 19:45 Cork City vs Shamrock Rovers 11/10 2/1 9/4
05 Oct 19:45 Drogheda Utd vs Sligo Rovers 8/15 12/5 5/1
05 Oct 19:45 Galway vs Longford Town 11/10 21/10 11/5
05 Oct 19:45 UCD vs Bray Wanderers 4/5 21/10 16/5
05 Oct 19:45 Waterford Utd vs Derry City 9/4 2/1 11/10
05 Oct 19:55 St Patrick's Athletic vs Bohemians EVS 2/1 13/5

Division 1:

05 Oct 19:45 Limerick 37 vs Wexford Youths 4/6 12/5 7/2
07 Oct 15:00 Monaghan Utd vs Finn Harps 7/2 12/5 4/6
05 Oct 20:00 Shelbourne vs Kilkenny City 4/9 13/5 6/1
06 Oct 19:00 Athlone Town vs Dundalk 11/4 9/4 5/6
06 Oct 19:45 Cobh Ramblers vs Kildare County 2/5 3/1 11/2

[Chief77]

Gonna get an early bet in this week as I don't think that 11/10 for Cork City is gonna last.
Cork are the most in form team in the country at the moment and are finishing the season with a flourish. Rovers had a disastrous match in Bray last night losing 3-0 and worse still they got two men sent off. Rovers were already struggling big time with injuries and thats two more suspensions to add to their woes.

I am expecting a comfortable Cork victory on Friday night and will be very surprised should Rovers manage to get anything out of the game. Cork have the added incentive of knowing a win will bring them level with Rovers in 2nd place. 2 away games in 3 nights is a lot to ask for a depleted Rovers team. I'd imagine the odds will shorten before kick off.

Verdict:
Cork City @11/10 (Boylessports) Confidence 8/10

[Mister X]

Nice call,

take Cork@2.10 yesterday, now @1.90 Bet365.

However Shamrock will have full squad for this match, obviously without two suspended
GL

[junior98]

Cork City were boosted by Shamrock Rovers' slip-up in Bray on Tuesday night. The result not only did massive damage to the Hoops' hopes of overhauling Drogheda United's lead at the top of the League of Ireland but also left their own hopes of holding onto second place in major jeopardy.

Three points behind the Dublin club with a game in hand, Cork are right in the mix for second place and a win over their visitors on Friday night could go a huge way towards swinging that battle in their favour.

Although league leaders Drogheda now seem out of reach for both sides (although both have yet to play the Drogs) second and even third place will be important in terms of European and Setanta Cup qualification.

City's title challenge may have still been realistic if they had performed better at home this season. Although they have only lost one home game so far at Turner's Cross this season, they have drawn as many as they have won (six).

For Cork boss Damien Richardson the games are back to being crucial, "From Cork City's point of view, this is the most important game of the season, and a victory is important for both clubs. I think we will see this reflected in the performance of both teams."

The fixture itself always carries special significance for Richardson giving his own history with Rovers, "This particular fixture between two of the great clubs of Irish professional football is indicative of the healthy and exciting future of Irish football. Shamrock Rovers are back in the top echelons of the league, while Cork City are on the crest of a good run."

"This game has all the ingredients to be a most entertaining affair, with a big crowd and a wonderful atmosphere", added the Cork boss.

Rovers will be aiming to pick themselves up from that hugely disappointing loss to Bray on Tuesday. The Hoops lost 3-0 after having Barry Murphy and Paul Shiels sent off before half-time. Suffering their heaviest defeat of the season to relegation threatened Bray may have done some damage to Rovers psychologically but a trip to Cork and Turner's Cross is far from the easiest way to bounce back.

Rovers boss Pat Scully is hopeful his side can pick themselves up after this week's loss, "Last Tuesday's game is gone and we're now determined to go to Cork and show what we're capable of - we're really looking forward to it after the defeat in Bray. It was a big setback, there's no disputing that. Three moments in the game really hurt us and lost us the points: the two sendings-off and Bray's opening goal."

"We also made a tactical error for Bray's first goal, but I have to say that the Rovers' supporters were magnificent. They inspired the eight outfield players who gave their all", added Scully.

Scully believes Friday night will be a tough test but expects his side to perform well, "It's a great game for us as we need to respond positively to Tuesday's defeat in Bray - and they don't come much tougher than away to Cork City. I love going there. Turner's Cross is a real football stadium, Rovers' fans always travel down there in numbers, and the home crowd are usually very vocal. It should be a great occasion."

The Hoops boss expects something from the game, "These are the games you want and look forward to. A top-of-the table clash with six games to go. If we play as well as we're capable of, we can get a result down there."

Rovers have a reasonable record away from home in the league having won six of fourteen league games away from Tolka Park. Despite Rovers' set-back on Tuesday night, Friday's game represents the meeting of the top two sides in the Premier Division form table.

Cork City are promising another night of entertainment with African drummers, Celtic drummers and Cork City Fire Brigade and Togher Pipe Band drummers. There will also be the chance to win a cruise valued at €1,200. Anyone who buys a copy of the club programme City Edition will be in with a chance of winning.


Cork City
Gareth Farrelly returns after a hamstring injury kept him out of last week's game.

Colin Healy also returns after suspension.

John O'Flynn is also available having shaken off the groin strain which forced him off early last weekend.

Darragh Ryan is Cork's only absentee as he again misses out because of a pelvic injury

Shamrock Rovers

Goalkeeper Barry Murphy and Paul Shiels are both suspended having been sent off against Bray on Monday.

Danny O'Connor is however available again after suspension.

Aidan Price and Padraig Amond remain sidelined by injury.

Backup goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien is likely to be available despite an ankle injury

Home win. In form Cork would expect to win against a Rovers side without their first choice goalkeeper.

[IrishTW]

Just a quick line to say that Dundalk at 6/5 with bet365 surely won't last til Sat night IMO.

I agree with all on the Cork bet, 11/10 seems quiet high. The game is live on RTE TV (not sure if it's available online outside of Ireland though)

[IrishTW]

actually it's St Pats - Bohs on TV

[Chief77]

UCD V Bray Over 2.5 goals@5/4: Bray are a team who are generally good for the overs. 8 of their last 9 games have gone over and 4 of the last 6 meetings between these sides have also seen 3 or more goals. UCD are inclined to go over as well and 7 of their last 9 games have ended in overs. 5/4 looks generous to me.

Shelbourne HT-FT V Kilkenny @6/5: Shels have had a great 2nd half to the season and i've lost a fair few bets backing against them. Tonight i'm gonna keep on tehright side of them and back them ht-ft against a team they've beaten 5-2 and 2-0 in their last 2 meetings. Shels still have their eye on 4th place and a win tonight would make that very achievable. Kilkennys away form has been shocking and their last 4 games read 5-1 3-0 6-0 and 4-0. Thats a stinking record in anybodys language.

Waterford(DNB) V Derry @11/8: Gonna take a chance on Waterford to beat Derry this evening. Derry have been poor lately and the defeat by UCD in the FAI Cup a few weeks ago seems to have knocked the stuffing out of them. They have a League Cup Final on Tuesday night and its very possible John Robertson will rest some of his big names tonight. A win in the final would at least put a bit of gloss on what has been a miserable season for Derry. Waterford are in bad shape if truth be knlown and are not a great side but they've proved difficult to beat at home recently and only Cork have won there in their last 4 games.

Verdict:
UCD V Bray Overs @5/4 Confidence 5/10
Shels HT-FT @6/5 Confidence 5/10
Waterford DNB @11/8 Confidence 3/10

[junior98]

Originally Posted by Chief77

UCD V Bray Over 2.5 goals@5/4: Bray are a team who are generally good for the overs. 8 of their last 9 games have gone over and 4 of the last 6 meetings between these sides have also seen 3 or more goals. UCD are inclined to go over as well and 7 of their last 9 games have ended in overs. 5/4 looks generous to me.

Shelbourne HT-FT V Kilkenny @6/5: Shels have had a great 2nd half to the season and i've lost a fair few bets backing against them. Tonight i'm gonna keep on tehright side of them and back them ht-ft against a team they've beaten 5-2 and 2-0 in their last 2 meetings. Shels still have their eye on 4th place and a win tonight would make that very achievable. Kilkennys away form has been shocking and their last 4 games read 5-1 3-0 6-0 and 4-0. Thats a stinking record in anybodys language.

Waterford(DNB) V Derry @11/8: Gonna take a chance on Waterford to beat Derry this evening. Derry have been poor lately and the defeat by UCD in the FAI Cup a few weeks ago seems to have knocked the stuffing out of them. They have a League Cup Final on Tuesday night and its very possible John Robertson will rest some of his big names tonight. A win in the final would at least put a bit of gloss on what has been a miserable season for Derry. Waterford are in bad shape if truth be knlown and are not a great side but they've proved difficult to beat at home recently and only Cork have won there in their last 4 games.

Verdict:
UCD V Bray Overs @5/4 Confidence 5/10
Shels HT-FT @6/5 Confidence 5/10
Waterford DNB @11/8 Confidence 3/10

good job chief GL i,m in

[junior98]

Originally Posted by Chief77

Gonna get an early bet in this week as I don't think that 11/10 for Cork City is gonna last.
Cork are the most in form team in the country at the moment and are finishing the season with a flourish. Rovers had a disastrous match in Bray last night losing 3-0 and worse still they got two men sent off. Rovers were already struggling big time with injuries and thats two more suspensions to add to their woes.

I am expecting a comfortable Cork victory on Friday night and will be very surprised should Rovers manage to get anything out of the game. Cork have the added incentive of knowing a win will bring them level with Rovers in 2nd place. 2 away games in 3 nights is a lot to ask for a depleted Rovers team. I'd imagine the odds will shorten before kick off.

Verdict:
Cork City @11/10 (Boylessports) Confidence 8/10

this one looks like very tough game for both teams . They both are fighting for the third place , which will secure a Setanta and an Euro place for the next season
I think Cork as the better team . They seem more motivated , and very dangerous . Cork has a game in hand , too , it is important to notice that fact , because if Rebel Army win tonight , will level points with Shamrock , but with the game on Monday vs UCD , Cork can outrun Shamrock .
For this game , home team will have only one missing - Darragh Ryan , but most important here , is that some key players are back - Gareth Farrelly , Colin Healy and John O'Flynn .

Hoops will be without first choice goalie Murphy , and Paul Shields , both susp after sending off vs Bray earlier this week , and still injured are Aidan Price and Padraig Amond


HW absolutely GL all

[Chief77]

Originally Posted by junior98

good job chief GL i,m in

Good luck junior, probably best staying away from that Waterford game. Its a risky one and it all depends on what team Robertson puts out for Derry. Won't find out til about 7 o clock if he's resting his big names for the League Cup Final.

[junior98]

Originally Posted by Chief77

Good luck junior, probably best staying away from that Waterford game. Its a risky one and it all depends on what team Robertson puts out for Derry. Won't find out til about 7 o clock if he's resting his big names for the League Cup Final.

ok n thx chief , will wait for ur info for the team news

[IrishTW]

Good call Chief re Cork price drop!

[ONEDUNME]

Originally Posted by IrishTW

Good call Chief re Cork price drop!

I think I'll leave my praise till after the game TW

There's an old Indian saying....Today's juicy ripe berry is tomorrow's buffalo shit.


Come on you......erm.....Corkies

[bromsgrovegreen]

thanks for the cork tip chief,nice double with the tractor boys.
gonna be greedy now and ask for your thoughts on finn harps to win at monaghan? 10-11 at coral, looks good to the untrained eye!

[bromsgrovegreen]

[quote=bromsgrovegreen;
gonna be greedy now and ask for your thoughts on finn harps to win at monaghan? 10-11 at coral, looks good to the untrained eye![/quote]


easy 4-0