Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Dundalk to win TV clash against Cork

 

Daniel McDonnell brings us his weekly preview of the weekend's Airtricity Premier clashes, and also throws in a lower-league game that has an attractive looking bet...

 

The televised game in the Airtricity League game this weekend brings together two teams with a statistic to change. Hosts Dundalk are still searching a first home win  this term, while the visitors Cork have yet to enjoy victory on the road. It's easy to read that stat and immediately research the prices on a draw.

 

However, Dundalk are trading as favourites and that makes sense when you delve deeper into this fixture. At 2.36 they are an attractive bet.

 

They've had a far smoother preparation for this game than Cork, who have paid for reaching the semi finals of the Setanta Cup by enduring a gruelling schedule of  travel and games. On top of the tired limbs, they have to cope with the mental agony of conceding an injury time equaliser to Shamrock Rovers on Monday which cost them  progression to the final of this competition. Throw in a couple of injury problems and it's easy to understand the confidence behind a Dundalk side who've had a good  preparation after a relatively comfortable win at Bohemians last Friday.

 

They flew out of the blocks in their last home game - against Derry City - before a questionable refereeing decision checked their momentum. And they were also playing  against a very good side there as well. If they can start with the same purpose, they have the energy to claim the three points.

 

Elsewhere, the pick of Friday night's matches is the Richmond Park showdown of St Patrick's Athletic and Derry. Both teams come into this fixture after a run of wins,  and it's a tough game to call. For a speculative punt, gamble on a strong finish on Derry in this game. Their second half record this season is particularly  impressive; wins against Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Cork have been built on improvement after the break. Manager Declan Devine has versatile players at his disposal  who can adapt to the circumstances of a game without necessarily requiring substitutions. A small bet on the Saints leading at half time and a full time draw is 16.0.

 

After suffering a first league defeat last Friday, Sligo welcome Drogheda to the Showgrounds on Saturday. The Louthmen also eliminated the champions from the Setanta  Cup, although that was built on a home victory. Sligo are trading at 1.53 which appears too short given that Drogheda are capable of causing them problems. They are lay material, albeit to moderate stakes.

 

For a variety of reasons, the other top flight games this weekend don't offer a huge amount of betting appeal. A foray to the First Division is advised, however, with  in-form Mervue United taking on Athlone Town in Galway. The first meeting between the sides this term finished in a scoreless draw, and Mervue's three wins this year  have come against the second tier's bottom three sides. At 3.85 Athlone are worth a few quid to come away with victory.

 

Recommended Bets

Back Dundalk to beat Cork @ 2.36

Back St Patrick's HT/Draw FT @ 16.0

Lay Sligo to win @ 1.53

Back Athlone Town to win @ 3.85

 

Bet HERE

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