Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Back Dundalk to win the Louth derby

8Jun 2013

Ír Premier League

Daniel McDonnell can see Dundalk emerging triumphant in the Louth derby on Monday afternoon, and likes the price too...

While the international team grabs most of the attention this weekend, the Airtricity League goes on with games spread across Saturday to Monday to avoid a clash with Ireland's showdown with the Faroe Islands.

The stand out bet of the week arguably comes at the end of it, with Dundalk an attractive 3.0 to come out on top of the Louth derby with Drogheda United on Monday afternoon.

Dundalk have an outstanding away record, as evidenced by their fine 1-0 win at the home of champions Sligo Rovers last week, and this game should play to their strengths. Admittedly they struggled against Drogheda earlier in the season, coming from behind to grab an undeserved point, but the tighter confines of Hunky Dorys Park should play to the strengths of Stephen Kenny's side. They lack width, but have a strong midfield unit who are tidy in possession and capable of coming away from this game with three points; Drogheda impressed in the FAI Cup last week but they do give teams a chance and Dundalk are set up to emerge from this fixture.

New Shelbourne manager John McDonnell has had a few weeks to get used to his surroundings and the visit of Derry City to Tolka Park on Saturday provides him with a stern test. McDonnell will be busy in the July window, with serious work to do to freshen up the dressing room. Derry are strong travellers but they were slow into their stride in Blarney last weekend and with McDonnell capable of organising Shels into a tight unit to break down, the value in this game could be in the half time market. It might be a stretch to back the hosts to take the three points given the superior options in the Derry squad, but they are 9.4 to lead at the break which is too big.

Sligo Rovers have hit a rocky patch in the league and the visit of a troubled Bohemians outfit offers them an opportunity to get back on track. They should be capable of taking it, yet they are trading very short to do so. Ian Baraclough's men have some injury and suspension problems, however, with Evan McMillan, Anthony Elding and the talented Lee Lynch on the sidelines. Bohs are starting to struggle defensively and should give opportunities too. The 1.79 about Over 2.5 Goals is the way to go.

Finally, Sunday's highlight is the meeting between Cork City and Shamrock Rovers at Turner's Cross. The Hoops need to embark on a winning run and they have the quality in the ranks to come away from Leeside with the spoils. They are trading at 2.12 which is slightly unattractive; the 5.3 about a draw at the break and Trevor Croly's side triumphing after 90 minutes is more tempting.