Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Dundalk the bet on Friday night

 

Daniel McDonnell takes a look at Friday's games in the Airtricity Premier Division and believes Dundalk can maintain their excellent away form when they travel to Bohemians...

 

After Sligo Rovers tasted their first defeat of 2013 in the Setanta Cup at Drogheda on Tuesday, their captain Danny Ventre hinted that they needed that kick up the backside.

 

It tallies with the general tone of comments from manager Ian Baraclough during the Bit'O'Red's flawless start to the new league season. Despite picking up eight wins from their first eight games, Baraclough has been unhappy with some performances and they were punished by Drogheda in the first leg of their Setanta semi final.

 

Perhaps Sligo are being modest in order to dampen expectation but it is true that the fixture list has been slightly kind to them. The opening day win in Derry was a huge three points, but they would have expected to take a full return from the rest of the fixtures. Their next three games pit them against St Patrick's Athletic, Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers, the sides that chased them home on their way to the title last year.

 

Tomorrow (Friday) they take on the Saints at their Inchicore home. After a sluggish start to the season, the hosts have crept up the table with four wins from their last five outings. Goals are usually a problem for the Dubliners, but they knocked four past Shelbourne on Monday.

 

Sligo are trading at 2.36 for this game, and that seems an overreaction to their early season form.

 

With home advantage, the Saints are capable of putting it up to Baraclough's men. Certainly, they won't give much away, and with Shane McFaul available again, they have the options in central midfield to cope with a Sligo side that are strong in this department. Target man Anthony Elding has excelled for Baraclough, but Drogheda managed to frustrate him on Tuesday and, on a narrow pitch, this should be a tight battle.

 

At the prices, Sligo are a lay. A draw would probably be considered a very good result by the league leaders.

 

Sligo also come into the game just three days after their Setanta match while the Saints haven't played since last Friday. That is an influencing factor in a stand-out bet from the Friday fixtures, the 2.62 about a win for Dundalk away at Bohemians.

 

Dundalk have a better squad than Bohs, and the latter had to play a delayed league match at Limerick on Tuesday, a game they lost in time added on. That strengthens the case for a Dundalk side that may suffer a little on a bumpy pitch that won't suit a couple of their better footballers. Nevertheless, they've a 100% record on the road this year and are overpriced. Indulge.

 

The Brandywell meeting of Derry and Shamrock Rovers should be evenly balanced and it's hard to recommend a large punt on this game. Rovers have struggled to convert draws to wins this term, but they are difficult to break down. Admittedly, they have a couple of central defensive issues going into this game, but they still have options. A speculative suggestion is a small bet on a 1-0 win for the visitors at 8.6.

 

Cork are no value to beat Shelbourne at Turner's Cross, and Drogheda should be capable of taking full points from the visit of Shels' basement buddies UCD. However, Drogheda did produce a big effort in Sligo on Tuesday and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if it took them a while to get into their stride here. UCD are improving, but are struggling to put in a 90 minute display. The price of 4.3 about a draw at the break and a Drogheda success at full time makes some appeal.

 

Recommended Bets

Lay Sligo Rovers @ 2.36 v St Patricks

Back Dundalk @ 2.62 v Bohemians

Back 0-1 Correct Score in Derry v Shamrock @ 8.6

Back Draw/Drogheda @ 4.3 v UCD

 

Bet HERE

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